Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu: A tragic landslide in the Tiruvannamalai district claimed seven lives, including five children, as Cyclone Fengal’s relentless rains caused a massive rock to collapse onto houses near the Annamalaiyar Hill. Rescue operations, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), recovered the bodies amidst an atmosphere of deep grief and despair in the region.
Cyclone Fengal’s Fury Unleashes a Disaster
The incident occurred after heavy rainfall from Cyclone Fengal weakened the rock structures on the Annamalaiyar hill. A large boulder dislodged and crashed onto a cluster of houses located at the hill’s lower slope, burying the residents beneath the debris.
The NDRF, which initiated rescue efforts immediately after the incident, worked tirelessly through challenging weather conditions. By today, the team recovered all seven bodies, sending four to the hospital for identification and further procedures.
Loss of Lives and Families’ Grief
The victims included five children, whose young lives were tragically cut short. Heartbroken families and relatives gathered near the accident site, many sitting on the roads in mourning. The tragedy has left the entire community in shock, with an atmosphere of sorrow enveloping the area.
Government Response and Support
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed his condolences to the grieving families and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to each affected family. Local authorities have also promised to investigate the incident and implement measures to prevent future disasters.
The Path Ahead
As the region grapples with the aftermath, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters, particularly in vulnerable areas. Efforts are underway to provide relief to the affected families, while authorities assess the structural risks posed by Cyclone Fengal’s unrelenting impact.
This heartbreaking event has united the Tiruvannamalai community in grief, highlighting the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and support for those living in high-risk zones.
