As it was a holiday, more than 500 people thronged the Anaivari waterfalls in Kalvarayan Hills near Attur in Salem district. At 4pm, when 150 tourists were enjoying a bath, the flow of water increased suddenly. As the water turned muddy and carried stones in it, scared tourists began to move away from the falls. They took shelter behind rocks and elevated areas to escape from the gushing waters. However, as the water level surged and rose almost to their knees, local youth helped the tourists return to safety. 

The tourists formed a human chain to avoid being swept away and moved slowly out of the water. On receiving information, Attur Tahsildar Selvam, Fire and Rescue personnel and the Forest Department staff rushed to the spot and monitored the flood situation. The Forest Department issued a temporary ban for tourists. “Heavy rain in the catchment areas at Vellimalai, Pattivalavu, Sembur, Kallur, Sadayampatty and Attur have triggered a flash flood in the falls. As rainfall continues, the people have been requested not to visit any danger spots in the hills,” a Forest Department staff said.