All tourist spots in the Nilgiris district have been ordered to remain closed until further notice, while the Coimbatore district administration has advised the public to avoid ghat roads connecting Mettupalayam with Udhagamandalam and Pollachi with Valparai, following heavy rain and landslides at several locations.

The Nilgiris District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru ordered the closure of tourist spots on Saturday (October 24) after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in the district on October 24 and 25. In a press release, she said heavy rain had resulted in trees falling across roads and landslides, disrupting traffic.

In a separate public safety advisory issued on Saturday, the Coimbatore district administration said the public should avoid the ghat roads from Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam via Coonoor and Kotagiri, and from Pollachi to Valparai, as major landslides had occurred at several locations.

Vehicle movement, including Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus services, to the Nilgiris and Valparai has been stopped between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Essential and emergency vehicles are exempt from the restriction.

The administration has cautioned that heavy rain could result in trees falling across roads, landslides, rockfalls and sudden flooding. The public has been advised against visiting waterfalls, rivers, streams, dams, lakes and other water bodies, and asked to stay away from flooded roads, overflowing streams and low-lying areas.

People have also been advised to avoid public places and tourist destinations unless necessary, and not to touch electric poles or wires during rain. The administrations have urged the public to follow official advisories and take precautions.

For assistance or to report rain-related damage, the public can contact the District Emergency Operations Centre at the toll-free number 1077 or 0422-2306051. The control room operates round the clock.