Sudden Flood Hits Old Courtallam Falls in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu

 

In a surprising turn of events, Old Courtallam Falls in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu, experienced a sudden flood on Friday. A video capturing the forceful water flow quickly went viral on social media.

Immediate Response from Authorities

In response to the sudden flood, authorities swiftly restricted public access to the falls as a precautionary measure. A team from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services is currently on-site to manage the situation.

Meteorological Predictions and Warnings

The unexpected flood coincides with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of southern and western Tamil Nadu until May 20.

The IMD noted that a cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas south of Sri Lanka has now moved to the Comorin region and the southern Tamil Nadu coast.

According to the IMD bulletin, "During the week, light to moderate rain, with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds (40-50 km/h) are expected to be widespread in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal."

Advisories for Nilgiris and Neighboring Regions

Meanwhile, the Nilgiris district administration warned of very heavy rainfall in Ooty from May 18-20, advising people to avoid visiting hill tourism spots during this period.

District Collector M. Aruna mentioned that the IMD has issued an "Orange Alert," predicting heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm on May 18, 19, and 20.

After a meeting with officials from the revenue, police, and fire and rescue services departments to discuss rain preparedness, she informed reporters, "Visitors must ensure all necessary safety precautions. If possible, avoid traveling here during this period."

Orange Alert for Kerala

The IMD has also issued an "Orange Alert" for several parts of neighboring Kerala, forecasting very heavy rainfall between May 18 and 20.

Conclusion

The sudden flood at Old Courtallam Falls serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and the importance of adhering to safety advisories. With the IMD's warnings in place, residents and visitors in Tamil Nadu and Kerala are urged to stay cautious and prioritize their safety during this period of anticipated heavy rainfall.