Rain, strong winds in Western Ghats disrupt power supply, damage crops in southern districts

Banana plants flattened by heavy wind at Gnalam in Kanniyakumari district under the impact of weather system in the Arabian Sea on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The onset of south-west monsoon on Saturday brought some relief to the people of Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts from the searing summer heat.

Moderate to heavy rainfall has been recorded in the Western Ghats region of the three districts while other places of the Kanniyakumari and Tenkasi district experienced drizzles that lingered throughout the day.

The well-marked low pressure area over east-central Arabian Sea, off the South Konkan coast, has intensified into a depression. Squally winds with speed ranging from 35 kmph to 45 kmph, and gusting up to 55 kmph, are likely to blow across the south Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar, and the adjoining Comorin area till May 28. In line with this, Thoothukudi port has hoisted cyclone warning Signal No. 3.

Light rain was recorded in the Western Ghats region such as Arukani, Pathukani, Ganapthikal, and Sivalogam in Kanniyakumari district. On Friday night, the intensity of the rain significantly increased causing extensive damage to many trees in the district.

Several areas near the Western Ghats experienced power outages on Friday night and electricity supply could be restored only by Saturday evening because of the havoc caused by strong winds. Thousands of banana trees were flattened across the district.

In Tenkasi district, rain intensified in the Western Ghats region on Friday night and on Saturday, the sky remained overcast with occasional showers accompanied by cool breeze. Inflow into dams has increased, thanks to the rain in their catchment areas. All waterfalls in Courtallam have come alive.

In Tirunelveli district, the sky remained overcast and there was drizzle throughout the day.

Rainfall recorded in the region in the 24 hours ending 6 a.m. on Saturday was (in mm): Oothu 72, Adavinainar dam 52, Gundar dam 44, Perunchani dam 38.6, Shencottah 38.4, Puthen dam 37.2, Chittar I 35.4, Kannimar 30.2, Boothapandy 22.6, Nagercoil 19, Kottaram 17.2, Thuckalay 17, and Tenkasi 11.

Published - May 24, 2025 07:32 pm IST