Intense rainfall has battered Tamil Nadu’s ecologically sensitive Nilgiris district, triggering a series of landslides and disrupting normal life and critical transportation routes. In the 24-hour period ending Monday morning, October 26, 2026, at least seven new landslips were reported, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents and authorities already dealing with the aftermath of continuous downpours. The incessant rains have also led to the uprooting of 15 trees across the district, further complicating restoration efforts and posing additional risks to infrastructure and public safety.
According to rainfall data released by the district administration, the Nilgiris experienced significant precipitation, with a total of 734.5 mm recorded, averaging 23.69 mm. Several areas received heavy to moderate rainfall, including Kinnakorai in Kundah taluk (110 mm), Kotagiri (68 mm), Burliar (59 mm), Yedappalli (54 mm), and Kodanadu (42 mm). These heavy showers have saturated the soil, making the region increasingly vulnerable to landslips.
The impact of the severe weather has extended beyond landslides, with two men and a woman sustaining injuries in rain-related incidents, including tree falls. Three huts also suffered partial damage. In response to the escalating situation, District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru declared a holiday for all schools in Udhagamandalam, Coonoor, Kotagiri, and Kundah taluks on Monday. To ensure the safety of affected populations, four relief camps have been established in schools and community halls, with 65 individuals, including tribal families from hamlets near Burliyar and Katteri, evacuated to a relief camp at St. Antony’s Higher Secondary School in Coonoor as a precautionary measure.
The Mettupalayam-Coonoor ghat road, a vital artery connecting the Nilgiris to the plains, has been severely affected. A significant landslide at Burliyar on Saturday claimed the life of a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus driver and injured the conductor, who is receiving treatment. This incident led to the suspension of vehicular movement on the road for the second consecutive day. While bus services were suspended, passengers experienced disruptions, with authorities arranging accommodation for those stranded.
The landslips have also impacted other essential services and infrastructure. The Mettupalayam-Coonoor National Highway and the Mettupalayam-Kotagiri State Highway have seen severe disruptions. In one instance, a government bus was buried under mud and debris near Burliyar in the early hours of Saturday, leading to the death of its driver, Janagaraj, and serious injuries to the conductor, Kesavan. Reports indicate that over 300 people, including school students and teachers from Kerala, were stranded due to these incidents.
The iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway service has also been cancelled due to landslides along the tracks, affecting tourism and connectivity. Restoration efforts are underway, involving teams from the Revenue and Highways departments. A team from the National Highways Regional Office in Chennai is also scheduled to assess the Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam stretch for necessary temporary repairs.
The district experienced an alarming 62 landslips in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning, October 25, following a period of light to moderate rain. This followed 19 landslips in the preceding 24-hour period. The cumulative rainfall in the Nilgiris over a 24-hour period reached 453.9 mm, with Parsons Valley recording the highest at 52 mm.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of the Nilgiris region to extreme weather events. Authorities have issued advisories urging the public to avoid non-essential travel to the affected areas and to stay informed about weather updates and road conditions. The district administration has provided emergency helpline numbers for residents seeking assistance.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
