Rain triggers minor landslip on Valparai Road

A minor landslip occurred on the rain-drenched ghat section of Pollachi–Valparai Road late on Tuesday (October 20), disrupting traffic along the stretch for almost 12 hours.

The landslip was reported near the first hairpin bend of the ghat section around 10.30 p.m., when boulders got dislodged from the slope and slipped onto the road, carrying debris. 

Forest Department staff attached to the Pollachi range received information from locals and immediately alerted the Police, Revenue and Highways Departments and the Fire and Rescue Services.

Since the ghat section passes through the forests of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and vehicle movement is restricted between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., the landslip did not result in human casualties or injuries.

As vehicles of Valparai residents and those used for emergency services are permitted during night hours, staff stationed at Aliyar checkpost stopped vehicles heading uphill towards Valparai. Similarly, vehicles heading towards Aliyar were stopped at Attakatti checkpost. 

The boulders were broken up using a jackhammer attached to the backhoe of an earthmover. The debris on the road was removed and traffic was restored by 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday.