Heavy Rain Floods Moyar River, Cuts Off Nilgiris Village; Over 60 Landslides Reported

Located in a remote, densely forested area of Kotagiri taluk near the Sathyamangalam and Mudumalai tiger reserves, the village depends on river crossings to access essential services and facilities outside the settlement.

With the river flowing rapidly, authorities have suspended crossings, leaving residents unable to travel safely. Persistent rainfall across the Nilgiris and neighbouring areas over the past several days has significantly increased the water level. The river’s muddy, reddish waters were flowing with considerable force on Monday, making the usual crossing point dangerous.

The disruption has raised concerns over the availability of medicines and other essential supplies, particularly for villagers who rely on facilities beyond the settlement. River transport remains suspended until conditions become safer.

More Than 60 Landslides Reported Across Nilgiris

The flooding comes amid extensive rain-related damage across the hill district. More than 60 incidents of landslides and earth slips, ranging from minor soil movements to major slope failures, were reported over the preceding 24 hours.

In a major incident on Friday, Janagaraj, a 51-year-old government bus driver, died after being caught in a landslide at Paraliyar on the Mettupalayam-Coonoor hill road.

The incident highlighted the dangers posed by unstable slopes amid prolonged rainfall in the mountainous region.

Landslides at multiple locations have also disrupted the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, prompting the temporary suspension of train services on the Coonoor-Mettupalayam section. Debris along the railway route has affected operations, adding to the transport difficulties faced by residents and visitors.

Rescue Operations Underway, Traffic Diverted

The district administration, along with personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services, is carrying out relief and rescue operations in affected areas. Authorities are also working to remove accumulated soil and debris from roads obstructed by landslides.

Vehicles travelling along the Mettupalayam-Coonoor road have been diverted through Kotagiri until the affected stretches are cleared. The alternative route has added to travel difficulties across the hills as rainfall continues to disrupt normal life.

The District Collector has urged residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel along hill roads until conditions improve.

People requiring emergency assistance have been advised to contact the Nilgiris district control room at 1077 or 0423-2450024.

Rescue efforts and road-clearance operations are continuing as authorities monitor the situation and work to restore access to affected areas.