The Western Ghats are bracing for heavy rains as the southwest monsoon intensifies, prompting the Tamil Nadu forest department to issue a tourist advisory for the Mancholai area until further notice. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted prolonged heavy rainfall across the Western Ghats in the coming days.
Due to these weather conditions, tourists are strongly advised against visiting Mancholai. The forest department has cautioned that the area's roads are submerged under continuous downpour, severely impacting the movement of vehicles meant for tourism.
In the Ambasamudram region of Nellai district, heavy rains have persisted for several days. The rising water levels in dams like Babanasam Servalalar Manimutthar are a direct result of this relentless rainfall.
Areas such as Mancholai, Kakachi, Uthu, Nalu Moku, and Khor Vetti within the Western Ghats have reported significant rainfall, leading to localised flooding.
Recent heavy rains in Pandalur and Gandalur areas of Nilgiri district prompted local authorities to declare a holiday on June 26. IMD has also warned of moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Nilgiris, Coimbatore's ghat areas, Tirunelveli, Virudunagar, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari.
The forest department remains vigilant as these weather patterns continue to affect the Western Ghats region, emphasising safety measures for both residents and tourists alike during this period of heightened rainfall.