Red Alert For Heavy Rains In Tamil Nadu Till May 28; Nilgiris, Kanniyakumari To Be Worst Hit

District authorities have shifted at least 70 residents from low-lying areas to safer locations, including relief shelters in Thalayathimund, Alagarmalai, and Ranganathapuram.

A farmer shows banana plants damaged by strong winds and rain in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu.

Source : PTI

A red alert has been issued for the Nilgiris and the ghat areas of Coimbatore as heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across several districts in Tamil Nadu until Tuesday, May 28. The Regional Meteorological Centre's warning comes amid escalating concerns of landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging, particularly in vulnerable regions along the Western Ghats.

On Sunday, intense rain paired with strong winds wreaked havoc in the Nilgiris district, uprooting trees and damaging homes and agricultural fields. A tragic incident was reported from Eighth Mile, a popular hill station stop, where a 15-year-old boy from Kozhikode, Kerala lost his life after a tree fell on him.

The victim, identified as P. Adhi Dev, was part of a 15-member family on vacation when the mishap occurred, officials said.

Evacuations and Safety Measures in Place

District authorities have shifted at least 70 residents from low-lying areas to safer locations, including relief shelters in Thalayathimund, Alagarmalai, and Ranganathapuram, as a precautionary measure against potential flooding and landslides.

RMC Director B. Amudha stated that a low-pressure system is likely to develop over the west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around May 27, further intensifying rainfall across the state. She also warned of thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph in multiple districts.

District-wise Forecast: Alerts and Rainfall Projections

Red alert (May 27–28): Nilgiris, Coimbatore (ghat areas)

Orange alert (May 27): Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli (ghats), Kanniyakumari

Orange alert (May 28): Nilgiris, Coimbatore (ghats), Tiruppur, Dindigul

Other districts: Light to moderate rainfall is expected in Virudhunagar and the surrounding regions

The inclement weather has led to the suspension of trekking activities in the Velliangiri Hills, while coracle rides on the Bhavani River have been cancelled due to rising water levels.

Kanniyakumari Among Worst-Hit Districts

In Kanniyakumari, heavy rainfall caused widespread damage, uprooting 49 trees and damaging 170 electric poles. The district recorded 20.51 mm of rainfall by Sunday night, as per official data.

Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and follow local safety advisories. Emergency services remain on high alert as Tamil Nadu continues to face volatile weather conditions this week.