7 Dead in Tamil Nadu Landslide.
Tamil Nadu has been grappling with heavy rainfall since the weekend, following the landfall of Cyclone Fengal near Chennai, the state’s capital. The cyclone brought torrential downpours, causing widespread disruption across various districts. Authorities have reported flooding in several low-lying areas, with rivers overflowing and waterlogging affecting normal life. The incessant rain has led to road closures, power outages, and disruptions in public transportation. Emergency services are on high alert, and rescue operations are underway to evacuate residents from flood-prone zones. Schools and colleges in affected areas remain closed as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, the state government has urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Meteorologists predict more rain in the coming days, further raising concerns about the potential for landslides and infrastructure damage.
A tragic incident has unfolded in the temple town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, where a second landslide struck on Monday afternoon, compounding the devastation caused by a previous one that occurred just a day earlier. On Sunday, a massive boulder, dislodged by the first landslide, came crashing down onto a residential building, resulting in the loss of seven lives from the same family. The second landslide has intensified fears in the region, with the threat of further rockfalls looming large.
Rescue operations are currently underway in Tiruvannamalai, with teams working tirelessly to search for any survivors and ensure the safety of nearby residents. The efforts are being spearheaded by a specialized team of experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chennai. These experts have been deployed to assess the stability of the terrain and assist in safely removing the precariously balanced boulder that threatens to cause additional damage. However, their work has been significantly hindered by the relentless heavy rainfall that continues to lash the region. The rains, coupled with the unstable conditions on the hillside, have made it a race against time for the rescue teams.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the extreme weather conditions in parts of Tamil Nadu to the remnants of Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall over the weekend near Chennai. After crossing the coast, the cyclone weakened but left behind a trail of destruction in its wake. It has now transitioned into a strong low-pressure system situated over the northern part of the state. This low-pressure area is drawing moisture from the Bay of Bengal, resulting in continuous and heavy rainfall across several districts, including Tiruvannamalai.
A senior official from the Weather Department, speaking to news agency PTI, explained that the intensity of the rainfall is expected to persist for the next 48 hours, further exacerbating the risk of landslides and flooding. The situation is being closely monitored, and warnings have been issued to residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant,” the official stated.
The local administration in Tiruvannamalai has been working in coordination with disaster response teams to manage the crisis. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate families displaced by the landslide and those evacuated from nearby areas at risk. Food, water, and medical supplies are being distributed to the affected residents, while efforts are being made to clear debris from the roads to restore connectivity to remote villages cut off by the landslides.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them of all necessary support from the state government. He has also directed district officials to expedite the relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Meanwhile, neighboring districts, including Vellore, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu, are also experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to waterlogging and disruptions in daily life. Schools and colleges in several districts have been closed as a precautionary measure, and public transportation has been affected, with several train and bus services either delayed or canceled.
The ongoing monsoon season, coupled with the impact of Cyclone Fengal, has left Tamil Nadu facing a challenging situation. The state has a history of being vulnerable to cyclonic storms and their aftereffects, particularly during the northeast monsoon season. This year, the situation has been further compounded by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, which experts attribute to the broader impacts of climate change.
Environmentalists have raised concerns about the long-term implications of such disasters, highlighting the need for better urban planning and sustainable development practices in vulnerable regions. The destruction in Tiruvannamalai, a town known for its historic temples and pilgrimage sites, has also sparked conversations about the need to protect heritage structures from natural calamities.
As rescue and relief operations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further loss of life. The state government, along with central agencies, is working to provide immediate relief while planning for long-term measures to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.
The situation in Tiruvannamalai serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such challenges. For now, the residents of this temple town and the surrounding areas remain on edge, hoping for a respite from the relentless rains and a safe resolution to the crisis.