Having been conspicuous by their absence during the better part of the current South-West monsoon, heavy rains, gusty wind and bitter chillness marked the past couple of days in this hill station.
Manifesting a revival of the monsoon, the change in the weather has been welcomed by all sections of the society despite the attendant hardships.
Over the past few days farm activities have witnessed a spurt. Sowing operations in potato fields which had been delayed due to the unfavourable weather are now in full swing.
Some of the potato growers told The Hindu that they had been put in a dilemma by the monsoon which was hitherto playing truant.
They hoped that the weather would continue to be farm friendly.
Official sources said that catchment areas have been receiving good rain.
During the 24 hour period ending 8.30 a.m. on Friday Devala recorded 130 mm of rainfall,Avalanchi:115 mm,Upper Bhavani:88, Gudalur Bazaar:65, Naduvattam:53 and Emerald:33.
The almost continuous overcast sky, intermittent rains and bitter chillness have hit normal life in various places.
The wet weather has subjected tourists to considerable inconvenience. On account of the Onam holidays in Kerala and the weekend the inflow of tourists is good.
Due to the continuous rain trees were uprooted in some places. Fire and Rescue Services personnel removed an uprooted tree from the CMM school road here. Due to the strong winds power supply was frequently disrupted. However major damages were not reported from any part of the district.
The district machinery has been geared up to deal with any exigency.
