Ooty roads closed, travel banned to Nilgiris; Authorities with new move

OOTY: Landslides occurred at several locations along the Mettupalayam–Ooty National Highway and the Mettupalayam–Kotagiri State Highway following heavy rain in the district. At Burliar, soil and rocks fell onto a government bus in the middle of the night; reports indicate that all passengers on board were rescued.

The Nilgiris district and the foothills region of Mettupalayam have been experiencing heavy rain since last night. Landslides were reported at 14 locations along the Coonoor road and at three locations along the Kotagiri road. No casualties have been reported so far. Vehicles carrying tourists—including students from various parts of Kerala—remained stranded for several hours during the night, but they were able to depart safely from Mettupalayam by early morning.

Following the landslides, vehicles were stranded for hours on the forest road between Burliar and Coonoor—part of the Coonoor–Mettupalayam route. Police rescue operations are currently underway at the site, led by Coimbatore Range IG Ramya Bharathi. All vehicles heading towards Ooty are being stopped at Mettupalayam. As a precautionary safety measure, the police have closed both entry points/routes leading into the Nilgiris district.

Authorities advised against travelling to the Nilgiris, as heavy rain is expected today as well. Services, including government buses to Ooty, have been suspended. Just a week ago, a retired soldier travelling by car was killed when a rock—dislodged by a landslide following heavy rain—struck his vehicle. Landslides continue to occur in several areas.