Heavy Rains Lash Nilgiris, Orange Alert Issued for Several Districts in Tamil Nadu
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several southern districts of Tamil Nadu as the southwest monsoon intensifies and a low-pressure area is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal.
Severe Rainfall in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore Ghat Areas
The Nilgiris district continued to witness torrential rains for the third consecutive day on Monday, resulting in:
- Mud slips in 20 locations, including Manjur, Emerald, Ooty, Kodappamund, and Ithalar.
- Tree falls at 15 locations, notably in Ooty, Coonoor, Manjur, and Gudalur.
The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for the Nilgiris and the ghat areas of Coimbatore over the next two days.
Flood Risk in Mettupalayam
The Pillur Dam has reached its full capacity, leading to flooding in the Bhavani River at Mettupalayam. Local residents have been advised to stay alert and avoid low-lying areas.
Rainfall Forecast for Other Districts
On Tuesday and Wednesday (May 28 and 29), heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in the following districts:
- Tirupur
- Dindigul
- Virudhunagar
- Erode
- Krishnagiri
- Dharmapuri
Meanwhile, moderate rainfall is likely to continue across the rest of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until the end of May.
Monsoon Progress and Low-Pressure Formation
The IMD also reported that the southwest monsoon has advanced further into parts of Tamil Nadu and the Central Arabian Sea. A low-pressure system is expected to form over the West-Central and adjoining North Bay of Bengal on May 27 (Tuesday), potentially intensifying rainfall activity in the region.
Record Rainfall in the Nilgiris
According to weather blogger Pradeep John, the Parsons Valley in the Nilgiris received a record 71.8 cm of rainfall in just 48 hours till Monday evening. Other notable rainfall figures include:
Avalanche – 35 cm
Upper Bhavani – 30 cm
Chinnakallar – 21 cm (as of May 26)
Kerala and Karnataka Also Affected
The southwest monsoon has already caused widespread rains in Kerala and coastal Karnataka since May 24, with extremely heavy rainfall reported at isolated locations.
