Following the southwest monsoon setting in a week in advance, heavy rainfall in many parts of neighbouring Kerala has led to the suspension of boat rides in Thekkadi (Kerala) till Tuesday (May 27, 2025) after Red Alert was issued, officials said on Sunday.

While the India Meteorological Department has given an orange alert for Theni and Dindigul districts, the officials here, led by Monitoring Officer M. Govinda Rao, Collector Ranjith Singh, and others took stock, of the preparedness at the District Collectorate. The special control room will monitor the rainfall level, to check on dam storage level, and to keep watch for floods at low-lying areas.

The Disaster Management Department officials said they expected rainfall between Sunday (May 25) and Monday (May 26) along the Western Ghats. A warning has already been issued to people in areas along the river, with first responders put on alert.

Officials in the Department of Highways and the police said the ghat section in the district was being closely monitored, especially the Cumbum Mettu, which connects Theni, Munnar, and other destinations. So far, there have been no problems.

On Saturday, there was widespread rain in parts of the district, including Thekkadi and Mullaperiyar dam. Besides mild showers in some parts, there was largely no rain till 6 p.m. on Sunday, officials said.