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Tiruvannamalai: A landslide struck the temple town of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, near Chennai, on Sunday evening, claiming the lives of seven people, including five children. The incident occurred when a massive boulder, loosened by heavy rainfall from Cyclone Fengal, crashed onto a house on the lower slopes of Annamalaiyar Hill at 4:30 pm.
Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Challenges
Rescue teams, including experts from the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, are working tirelessly to recover the remaining victims and stabilise the area. Four bodies have been retrieved so far and sent to a hospital. However, continuous rain and the threat of another boulder teetering precariously uphill have complicated operations.
Adding to the tragedy, a second landslide hit the area on Monday afternoon near a local temple. Fortunately, no further casualties have been reported from this incident.
Deputy CM Visits Cyclone-Hit Areas
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited Dharmapuri district on Monday to assess the cyclone’s impact. He inspected restoration efforts at a washed-out footbridge near Vathalmalai and interacted with workers and residents affected by the disaster.
Speaking on the recovery work, Stalin shared, "As per the Chief Minister’s orders, we are monitoring the relief efforts. The unprecedented rains have caused severe damage, and we are committed to restoring normalcy at the earliest." He also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh for the bereaved family in Tiruvannamalai.
Cyclone Fengal Wreaks Havoc Across Tamil Nadu
Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Chennai on Saturday, has left a trail of destruction in its wake. Heavy rainfall has battered northern Tamil Nadu, causing floods in Viluppuram district, washing away bridges, blocking access to villages, and damaging acres of crops. Rail traffic in the region has also been disrupted.
As the state battles the aftermath of this severe weather event, officials continue to urge caution, especially in landslide-prone areas. Rescue and relief efforts remain ongoing to aid affected communities.
With inputs from news agencies.