The horrific landslides occurred due to cyclone Fengal’s landslides has created a devastating situation in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai. Currently the state is in a panic condition, due to Cyclone Fengal. The devastating landslides triggered by Cyclone Fengal have claimed the lives of seven family members. The landslides, which struck the lower slopes of Annamalaiyar Hill, have left local residents terrified and reluctant to return to their homes, fearing more disasters.
During Sunday afternoon, around 4 pm, a massive landslide occurred in VOC Nagar 11th Street. This havoc situation ended up burying Rajkumar, and his wife Meena, their two children, and three of Rajkumar’s brother-in-law’s children under tons of rocks and mud. Surya, the brother of the three children, recounted the horrifying moment, and described the horrific situation. He stated, “I saw rocks tumbling down and shouted to alert my siblings and aunt. They ran inside the house for safety, but a tree fell on the house, followed by debris from the landslide. I could only sit in one corner and cry,” he said, devastated by the loss.”
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The situation took a turn for the worse later that night. Around 1 AM, a second wave of mud and rocks slid down the hill. This horrific situation ended up terrifying locals. Fearing for their safety, many families fled their homes and sought refuge at a nearby government school. “We heard a loud rumbling and rushed to the school for shelter. We don’t even have extra clothes. Water is still flowing, and we are scared that the rocks might fall,” said Chitra, a resident in distress. Another local, Shanti, shared similar fears: “Dangerous boulders are still there. What if they fall? None of us would survive.”
By Monday, two smaller landslides had occurred in the same area ended up worsening the situation more. Though there were no new fatalities, still fear among the displaced residents was palpable.
Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Public Works, EV Velu, visited the flood affected area and acknowledged the continuing threat. “There is a boulder. If it comes down, it will cause more damage. Experts from IIT Madras are being brought in to assess the soil,” he said, confirming that experts from IIT Madras would assess the soil and risk of further landslides.
Moreover the deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also visited the disaster site. Furthermore he urged the locals to stay away from the vulnerable areas, and advised to relocate for the further safety. “The government is committed to supporting those willing to relocate from these dangerous foothills,” he assured, encouraging people to cooperate with on-going rescue and safety efforts.
