Heavy rains led to landslips at 14 places across the Nilgiris on Thursday.
According to officials from the State Highways Department, a total of 10 landslips were reported along the Ooty to Manjoor Road due to heavy rains in the district on Wednesday and Thursday morning. Officials from the district administration said that around 27 mm of average rainfall was recorded throughout the Nilgiris, with Kundah, Coonoor and Ketti recording the most rainfall till Thursday morning.
Four minor landslips were reported along the Udhagamandalam- Coonoor- Mettupalayam Road, with officials from the National Highways clearing the sand and debris from the landslips.
Earthmovers have been stationed at Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Marapallam to deal with any more landslips that might occur due to the continuing rains, officials said.
Ten landslips, including two major ones at Maryland and M Kaikatty, were reported along the Udhagamandalam to Manjoor Road. TNSTC bus services to Udhagamandalam, Coonoor and Mettupalayam from Manjoor were affected for over five hours as a result of the landslips. An uprooted tree also blocked the road for around an hour on early Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway services between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam have been suspended till Sunday due to the continuing rains.
Officials said that landslips and tree falls have been reported near Adderley Railway Station, and that services have been suspended keeping in mind travellers’ safety.
Rains also led to boat rides at the Ooty Boat House being suspended on Thursday morning till the rains abated, while tourist footfall in both the Government Botanical Garden and Rose Garden was reported to have fallen over the last few days.
