5 Bodies Retrieved From Thiruvannamalai Landslide As Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Cyclone Aftermath

A landslide in Thiruvannamalai has trapped up to seven people in two houses, as Cyclone Fengal brings unprecedented rainfall to Tamil Nadu's interior districts.

Thiruvannamalai:Five bodies have been retrieved from a devastating landslide in Thiruvannamalai, which has left up to seven members, including four girls, one boy, and a man and his wife, trapped under the debris of two houses. The region is experiencing unprecedented rainfall due to Cyclone Fengal, which, despite weakening after making landfall, has brought heavy rain to interior districts of Tamil Nadu, including Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram.

The landslide occurred behind the world-famous Annamalaiyar Temple in the VOC Nagar area, near the Girivalam road. Known for its heavy rainfall during the monsoon, the area received 16 cm of rain on Sunday. Local residents initially mistook the disaster for floodwater from the hills. However, as the water mixed with mud and red soil, two large rocks rolled down, signalling the onset of the landslide.

On December 1, rocks from a hill fell behind the Arunachaleswarar Temple, burying the house of Rajkumar. Rajkumar, his wife Meena (26), their children Gautam (9) and Iniya (7), and neighbouring girls Maha (12), Vinodini (14), and Ramya (12) were trapped under the rubble.

Rescue operations continued for over 18 hours, despite heavy rain hindering progress. As of 7:30 pm on December 2, the rescue team confirmed the recovery of five bodies. One of the victims was identified only by a recovered leg. Thiruvannamalai District Collector Bhaskara Pandian, Deputy Speaker G. Pichandi, and Public Works Minister A. V. Velu were present at the scene during the operation.

Two houses were buried in the mud, and narrow paths made it difficult for rescue teams to access the site. The operation was slow, as large heavy vehicles like JCBs could not enter the area. "As vehicles like JCBs or large rock-breaking equipment cannot be brought, rescuers are manually breaking and removing rocks, making the rescue operation more challenging," said local resident Balamurugan.

After partially repairing the road, a JCB machine began removing the rubble on Monday evening. A journalist at the scene shared a video showing the body of a boy being retrieved by the JCB.

The district administration, led by District Collector Bhaskara Pandian, has mobilised extensive resources to expedite the rescue effort. A total of 170 personnel, including 35 National Disaster Response Force members, 50 Tiruvannamalai District Police Commando personnel, 20 State Rescue Team members, 40 Tiruvannamalai Armed Police Constables, and 60 police personnel, are involved in the operation.

Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister A. V. Velu, who visited the site, confirmed that the area is experiencing its heaviest rainfall since 1965.