Overview
- A mudslide near Burliar on Saturday struck a TNSTC bus traveling from Coonoor to Mettupalayam and trapped driver Janagaraj and conductor Kesavan.
- Fire and rescue teams from Coonoor and Mettupalayam pulled both men from the debris and took them to Mettupalayam Government Hospital where Janagaraj later died and Kesavan is in intensive care.
- Meteorological data showed very heavy 24‑hour totals with about 250 mm at Burliar and 200 mm at parts of Kotagiri, rains that triggered reported landslides at 19 sites and tree falls at 18 locations.
- The landslides and uprooted trees blocked the Ooty‑Mettupalayam and Ooty‑Coonoor ghat roads, temporarily stranded hundreds of tourists including more than 150 school students who were evacuated to safety.
- Highways, Forest, Revenue and rescue agencies deployed more than 20 heavy machines to clear debris, closed key viewpoints and declared school holidays while officials continue clearance and safety monitoring due to ongoing rain risk.