Monsoon update: Red alert issued in Ooty; heavy rains halt tourism in the Nilgiris
Vacationers favourite hill district of Nilgiris, which is also a prominent monsoon-season escape for many, has come to a standstill amid record-breaking rainfall. The heavy rain has stopped all the tourist activities in the region. The rain, triggered by the Southwest Monsoon, has wreaked havoc in the region because of which a red alert has been issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD). The alert has also been issued for the ghat areas of neighboring Coimbatore, warning of more extreme weather in the coming days.
As per IMD, Avalanche and Upper Bhavani have recorded staggering rainfall levels of 35 cm and 30 cm respectively. The local authorities had to shut down all major tourist attractions across Ooty, Coonoor, and Kothagiri. Tourists already in the region were left scrambling to rearrange plans or evacuate, while fresh tourist entry has been strictly prohibited.
Along with pausing activities for tourists, the rain has also caused significant local damage. Some 43 trees were uprooted, myriad homes sustained structural damage, and small landslides were also reported. With forecasts predicting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall through May 28, including possible cloudbursts in hilly terrain, emergency services remain on high alert.
Further afield, an orange alert has been issued for the hilly districts of Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari, indicating the broadening impact of the seasonal deluge across southern Tamil Nadu.
For now, all travel to the Nilgiris is strongly discouraged. Local authorities are prioritizing rescue, repair, and the restoration of normalcy while urging tourists to postpone their visits. This extreme weather event also serves as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of ecologically sensitive hill regions to climate change and the pressing need for sustainable tourism and disaster preparedness.
The Nilgiris, though primarily in Tamil Nadu, border Kerala and offer lush landscapes, cool climates, and scenic hill stations like Ooty and Coonoor. Popular for tea plantations, trekking trails, and wildlife sanctuaries, the region attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers year-round, making it a key destination for eco-tourism.
Travellers are advised to monitor official advisories and check weather updates before making any plans involving southern Tamil Nadu or the Western Ghats.
As per IMD, Avalanche and Upper Bhavani have recorded staggering rainfall levels of 35 cm and 30 cm respectively. The local authorities had to shut down all major tourist attractions across Ooty, Coonoor, and Kothagiri. Tourists already in the region were left scrambling to rearrange plans or evacuate, while fresh tourist entry has been strictly prohibited.
Along with pausing activities for tourists, the rain has also caused significant local damage. Some 43 trees were uprooted, myriad homes sustained structural damage, and small landslides were also reported. With forecasts predicting continued heavy to very heavy rainfall through May 28, including possible cloudbursts in hilly terrain, emergency services remain on high alert.
Further afield, an orange alert has been issued for the hilly districts of Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari, indicating the broadening impact of the seasonal deluge across southern Tamil Nadu.
For now, all travel to the Nilgiris is strongly discouraged. Local authorities are prioritizing rescue, repair, and the restoration of normalcy while urging tourists to postpone their visits. This extreme weather event also serves as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of ecologically sensitive hill regions to climate change and the pressing need for sustainable tourism and disaster preparedness.
The Nilgiris, though primarily in Tamil Nadu, border Kerala and offer lush landscapes, cool climates, and scenic hill stations like Ooty and Coonoor. Popular for tea plantations, trekking trails, and wildlife sanctuaries, the region attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers year-round, making it a key destination for eco-tourism.
Travellers are advised to monitor official advisories and check weather updates before making any plans involving southern Tamil Nadu or the Western Ghats.
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