Monsoon yet to become active in the upper plateau of Nilgiris

Udhagamandalam: The Nilgiris has been experiencing wet weather for the past few days. However, the southwest monsoon is yet to become active in the upper plateau of the hills.
While places such as Devala, Pandalur Padanthorai and Cherumulli, all located on Kerala border of the district, have been receiving good rain, Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri have only recorded moderate rain accompanied by strong wind so far. Ooty town has been experiencing frequent power interruptions due to wind.
While Devala recorded 127mm rainfall over a period of 24 hours that ended on Sunday 7am, Pandalur received 118mm, Padanthorai 89mm and Cherumulli 95mm.
A horticulture department official said, “The southwest monsoon is active in Gudalur and Pandalur taluks in the district. Rain received in Kotagiri and Ooty in the past few days will benefit tea gardens and farmlands.” According to the official, this is the time for farmers to prepare field and apply manure.
Ooty has registered only 8.3mm rainfall and Kotagiri, 24mm. “We expect the monsoon to become active in Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri taluks in another few days,” the official said.
Collector J Innocent Divya said they have identified 233 identified vulnerable locations across the six taluks in the district and formed 42 zonal teams as part of disaster management measures.
The hill retreat has also set up early warning committee, search and rescue committee, evacuation committee and relief centre management committee, which would remain on high alert round the clock. “With monsoon gradually gaining momentum, disaster management is in place in the district,” Divya said.