Heavy rainfall lashed parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry on Wednesday, leading to school closures and travel disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings as the rain fury persists, attributing it to a cyclonic circulation over interior Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the lower tropospheric levels.
In response to the forecast of heavy rainfall, the Theni district administration in Tamil Nadu declared a holiday for educational institutions. Additionally, schools in seven other districts, namely Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Tenkasi, Pudukottai, Thuthukudi, Virudhunagar, and the Nilgiris, were closed in anticipation of adverse weather conditions on Thursday.
The Coonoor-Udagamandalam train services faced cancellations due to rocks and mud obstructing the railway track from heavy rain. Six trains between Coonoor and Udagamandalam were affected, with the Nilgiris Mountain Railway announcing full refunds for the canceled services.
Traffic disruptions were reported on the Coonoor-Mettupalayam road, with fallen trees and landslides affecting travel. Commuters were advised to take alternative routes. In Chennai, a Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus got stuck in a waterlogged low-lying subway, highlighting the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, in Kerala, several parts of the Pathanamthitta district experienced severe flooding due to heavy downpours on Wednesday. The Met Department issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, in Pathanamthitta and two other districts.
Pathanamthitta district reportedly received an astonishing 210 mm of rain in just two hours, leading to a landslide that disrupted traffic on the Sabarimala highway. The relentless rain fury in these southern regions underscores the need for caution and preparedness as weather conditions continue to pose challenges to daily life and transportation
