Janice R. Andrews
Tiruvannamalai, India – December 2, 2024: A landslide triggered by Cyclone Fengal’s torrential rains has left seven people, including five children, feared trapped in Annamalaiyar Hill, Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 1, when a massive 40-tonne boulder crashed onto several houses on the hill’s lower slopes.
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities, are on-site to locate the victims. Sniffer dogs and specialized equipment are being used, but continuous heavy rainfall is hindering the operation. District Collector Bhaskar Pandian is overseeing the efforts.
“A large boulder fell on the huts, and the rescue is ongoing despite the rain,” confirmed an official from the fire and rescue services.
Meanwhile, about 500 residents from the nearby VOC Nagar area have been evacuated and moved to temporary shelters as a safety measure. The region has been severely affected by waterlogging caused by the cyclone’s persistent downpours.
Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall near Puducherry on November 30, has caused widespread destruction across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Puducherry. While the cyclone has weakened, it continues to bring heavy rains and disruption.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several Kerala districts, including Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod, as the cyclone is expected to move toward the Kerala-Karnataka coast by December 3.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay alert and follow safety advisories as rescue operations and relief efforts continue.
