In response to the onslaught of heavy rainfall and landslides impacting the historic Nilgiri Mountain Rail Route (NMR) between Coonoor and Mettupalayam, Indian Railways took the proactive measure of suspending train services on Wednesday (November 22).
The adverse weather conditions led to a mudslide at Hillguro, located between Kallar and Runnimedu, causing debris to block the tracks, as reported by officials from the railways South Salem Division.
Indian Railways ensures safety of passengers
The decision to suspend the mountain train service comes in light of the Meteorological Department’s forecast of continuous rainfall in the region. This precautionary step aims to ensure the safety of passengers as the inclement weather poses challenges to the century-old rail route.
Rain fury in Tamil Nadu
Several areas in the state of Tamil Nadu, particularly in the Erode district, remain submerged due to hours of heavy to moderate rainfall. In low-lying residential areas, including Annai Sathya Nagar in Erode, water entered houses and markets, causing distress to residents. Approximately fifty houses in Annai Sathya Nagar faced water ingress after a night of persistent rain.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a prediction of heavy rainfall in over 10 districts of Tamil Nadu over the next two days. IMD emphasized the likelihood of heavy rain intermittently affecting more than 10 districts due to changing weather patterns.
In a cautionary post on social media, the IMD declared an “Orange Alert for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal,” advising residents to prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall, ranging from 115.6 to 204.4 mm, on November 22nd and 23rd.