Mon Dec 02 15:38:37 UTC 2024: ## Double Landslide Devastates Tamil Nadu Temple Town; Cyclone Fengal’s Aftermath Brings Widespread Flooding

**Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, December 24, 2024** – Heavy rainfall from the remnants of Cyclone Fengal has caused widespread devastation across Tamil Nadu, including a second landslide in the temple town of Tiruvannamalai. The latest landslide, which occurred Monday afternoon near a local temple, follows a devastating incident on Sunday where a boulder fell onto a residential building, killing at least four people and trapping three others. Rescue efforts are hampered by ongoing heavy rain and the precarious position of another boulder.

The initial landslide on Sunday afternoon was triggered by torrential downpours on the lower slopes of Annamalaiyar Hill. A team from the Indian Institute of Technology Chennai is assisting in rescue operations.

The state has been battered by relentless rainfall since Cyclone Fengal made landfall near Chennai on Saturday. Viluppuram district has experienced unprecedented flooding, with washed-out bridges and overflowing rivers blocking access to villages and causing significant agricultural damage. Dramatic videos online show vehicles being swept away by floodwaters in Uthangarai, Krishnagiri district, which received 50 centimeters of rain in 24 hours. Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts have also experienced record flooding.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the extreme rainfall to the remnants of Cyclone Fengal, now a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu. Rainfall alerts have been issued for northern Kerala and southern Karnataka as the system is expected to intensify over the Arabian Sea.

The cyclone’s impact extends beyond the landslides and flooding. Earlier this weekend, parts of Chennai airport were inundated, causing flight cancellations and impacting hundreds of passengers. At least two additional deaths have been reported, one involving a migrant worker electrocuted while attempting to withdraw cash from an ATM in Chennai.

Cyclone Fengal previously affected Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 12 fatalities, including six children. The ongoing situation in Tamil Nadu remains critical, with rescue and recovery efforts continuing amidst challenging weather conditions.

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