Table of Contents

• Key Highlights
• Current Situation
• Weather Forecast
• Areas Under Alert
• Emergency Response Measures
• Historical Context
• Economic and Infrastructure Impact
• Safety Guidelines
• Contact Information

Key Highlights

• Red alert issued for the Nilgiris and ghat areas of Coimbatore for May 25-26, 2025
• Extremely heavy rainfall (over 20cm in 24 hours) expected at isolated places
• Early arrival of Southwest Monsoon predicted, nine days ahead of schedule
• High risk of landslides in vulnerable areas with authorities on full alert
• NDRF teams deployed in strategic locations for emergency response
• Relief centers established with essential supplies and medical facilities

Current Situation

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) have issued a red alert for the Nilgiris district and ghat areas of Coimbatore for May 25 and 26, 2025. This comes as the Southwest Monsoon is expected to make an unusually early arrival over Tamil Nadu, bringing with it the potential for extremely heavy rainfall and related hazards.

Light showers have already begun in parts of Coimbatore and the Nilgiris on Friday night (May 23), providing relief from the recent heat but also serving as a precursor to the intense rainfall expected over the weekend. Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the situation develops.

“In Tamil Nadu, the RMC predicts that rainfall activity will commence on Saturday in the Nilgiris and ghat areas of Coimbatore, gaining momentum over the coming days,” reported the New Indian Express. New Indian Express

Weather Forecast

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the weather conditions are expected to develop as follows:

• May 24 (Today): Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms in parts of Coimbatore and the Nilgiris.
• May 25-26: Isolated extremely heavy rainfall (over 20cm in 24 hours) in the Nilgiris and ghat areas of Coimbatore. Red alert in effect.
• May 27: Heavy rain at isolated locations in the same regions, with conditions expected to gradually improve.

The forecast indicates that the heavy rainfall is due to a combination of factors, including the early onset of the Southwest Monsoon and strong westerly winds. The IMD has also noted the formation of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal around May 27, which could further influence weather patterns in the region.

“For May 27, the IMD has predicted heavy rain at isolated locations in the Nilgiris and Ghat areas of Coimbatore district. Residents are urged to stay vigilant,” states a report from Mathrubhumi News. Mathrubhumi

Areas Under Alert

The following areas are under various levels of weather alerts:

Red Alert (Extremely Heavy Rainfall):

• Nilgiris District (entire district)
• Coimbatore Ghat Areas including:
• Valparai
• Marapalam
• Attakatti
• Aliyar
• Pollachi

Orange Alert (Very Heavy Rainfall):

• Dindigul District
• Theni District

Yellow Alert (Heavy Rainfall):

• Tenkasi District
• Tirunelveli District
• Kanyakumari District
• Virudhunagar District

The Times of India reports, “The forecast is ‘heavy to very heavy rain’ at isolated places over the Nilgiris and ghat areas of Coimbatore on Sunday. On Monday and Tuesday, extremely heavy rainfall is expected in these regions.” Times of India

Emergency Response Measures

In response to the red alert, the Tamil Nadu government and district administrations have implemented several emergency measures:

Evacuation and Relief Centers

• 94 relief centers have been established across Coimbatore district to accommodate residents in case of flooding
• Authorities have begun evacuating people from low-lying areas and landslide-prone zones
• Essential supplies including food, drinking water, and medical kits have been stocked at relief centers

Personnel Deployment

• NDRF teams have been positioned in strategic locations for rapid response
• 4,500 sanitary workers are on round-the-clock standby in Coimbatore
• Disaster Response Force personnel have been deployed to vulnerable areas
• Medical teams are on high alert at government hospitals and primary health centers

Infrastructure Protection

• Drainage systems have been cleared to prevent urban flooding
• Temporary barriers erected in flood-prone areas
• Emergency power backup systems installed at critical facilities
• Tree-cutting teams positioned to clear fallen trees and debris

“A total of 94 relief centres have been arranged to accommodate residents in case of flooding. According to P Pulugandi, district fire and rescue officer, personnel have been placed on high alert,” reports the Times of India. Times of India

Historical Context

The Nilgiris and Coimbatore regions have a history of being vulnerable to extreme weather events, particularly during monsoon seasons. The topography of the Western Ghats makes these areas especially susceptible to landslides when heavy rainfall occurs.

In recent years, climate change has intensified the impact of monsoon rains in this region:

• 2019: The Nilgiris experienced unprecedented rainfall of nearly 2,500mm over just four days, leading to widespread flooding and landslides that claimed six lives and displaced over 5,400 families.
• 2020: Parts of the Nilgiris witnessed intense, incessant rains for five consecutive days, causing significant flooding and infrastructure damage.
• 2024: Heavy downpours resulted in severe waterlogging across Coimbatore city, with several underpasses and low-lying areas being inundated.

Experts point to climate change as a contributing factor to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region.

“For the second time in two years, parts of the Nilgiris witnessed intense, incessant rains for five consecutive days, leading to flooding,” noted a report by The Hindu. The Hindu

Economic and Infrastructure Impact

The early arrival of the Southwest Monsoon and the predicted extreme rainfall are expected to have significant economic and infrastructure impacts on the region:

Agricultural Impact

• Tea and coffee plantations in the Nilgiris may face damage from landslides and flooding
• Vegetable cultivation in the region could be affected, potentially leading to price increases
• Crop insurance claims are likely to rise in affected areas

Infrastructure Concerns

• Several subways and underpasses in Coimbatore, including those at the old Avinashi flyover, Kaleeswara Mill, ARC Junction, North Coimbatore, and Lanka Corner, are highly vulnerable to flooding
• Rural roads in ghat sections may become impassable due to landslides
• Power outages are anticipated in affected areas due to damage to electrical infrastructure

Economic Implications

• Tourism, a major revenue source for the Nilgiris, will likely be severely affected during the alert period
• Small businesses may face closures during heavy rainfall days
• Additional government expenditure for relief and rehabilitation measures

The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has deployed around 4,000 workers to manage potential flooding situations and maintain essential services during the alert period.

Safety Guidelines

Authorities have issued the following safety guidelines for residents in affected areas:

For Residents in Red Alert Areas:

• Stay indoors during periods of heavy rainfall
• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
• Move to higher ground if residing in low-lying areas
• Keep emergency supplies ready, including medications, important documents, and essential items
• Maintain communication devices charged and ready
• Follow evacuation orders promptly if issued by authorities

For Travelers:

• Postpone non-essential travel to red alert areas
• Check road conditions before embarking on journeys
• Avoid ghat roads completely during alert periods
• Maintain emergency contact numbers of local authorities

General Precautions:

• Avoid crossing flooded areas on foot or by vehicle
• Stay away from electrical installations in waterlogged areas
• Report landslides or road blockages to emergency services immediately
• Do not spread unverified information on social media

“Residents are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by the district administration,” advises the latest IMD bulletin. IMD

Contact Information

Emergency Helplines:

• District Emergency Operation Center (Coimbatore): 0422-2301114
• District Emergency Operation Center (Nilgiris): 0423-2450034
• State Disaster Management Authority: 1070
• National Disaster Response Force: 011-24363260

Weather Updates:

• Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai: 044-28271951
• IMD Website: mausam.imd.gov.in

Local Administration:

• Coimbatore District Collector’s Office: 0422-2301552
• Nilgiris District Collector’s Office: 0423-2442344

Residents are advised to keep these numbers handy and stay tuned to official channels for regular updates on the situation.

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This news post was updated on May 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM IST. The situation is developing, and readers are advised to follow official channels for the latest updates.