A TNSTC official from the Coimbatore region said, “In total, 2,695 special buses are operating between Coimbatore and other districts, and vice versa, with 483 buses running from Coimbatore alone.”

The services have been organized from multiple bus stands:

• Singanallur Bus Stand: Buses to Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, and other southern districts.

• Sulur Bus Stand: Buses to Tiruchirappalli, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Karaikudi, and Pudukkottai.

• Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand: Buses to Mettupalayam, Sathyamangalam, Salem, and Erode.

• Mettupalayam Road Bus Stand: Services to Ooty, Gudalur, and nearby hill regions.

To ease boarding, bus drivers are instructed to display route names on the LCD boards at the front, while barricades have been arranged to manage queues efficiently. TNSTC staff are also stationed at all major bus stands in Coimbatore to guide passengers.

The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has issued a helpline (94425-01920) for travelers facing difficulties or seeking information. Omni buses have been directed to pick up passengers only from designated areas at the Codissia Ground, and owners have been warned against overcharging.

Police personnel are deployed at bus stands for security, and municipal authorities have ensured the availability of clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and other essential amenities.

The combined efforts of TNSTC, RTO, police, and civic authorities aim to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey for Deepavali travelers.

Broken and poorly maintained canals have restricted the flow of water to these lakes, significantly affecting the groundwater table in the area, according to local farmers. They reported that over 1,500 acres of farmland are facing severe water shortages due to failed borewells and inconsistent monsoon rainfall.

A Murugesan from Karimangalam told TNIE, “The main canal channeling water from Thumbalahalli dam to Koyilur Panchayat and Jamberi collapsed years ago because of neglect and overgrown vegetation. The weakened canal walls gave way during heavy rains, disconnecting many lakes from their primary water source.”

R Palanisamy from Priyampatti added, “Without water from the Thumbalahalli dam, our crops and livestock are suffering. Lakes such as Jamberi, Ramayampatti, Murukampatti, and Vaniyakula are drying up, threatening both agriculture and local drinking water supply.”

Officials from the district administration have assured residents that the matter will be investigated promptly and necessary steps will be taken to restore water supply and support farmers in the region.

Locals report that a section near the Nilaiyur-Soorakulam boundary has been dangling for over a kilometre, positioned barely 30 feet above ground level. Resident Sulaiman explained, “The towers were built to withstand strong winds, but over time, the soil beneath them has weakened, causing the lines to sag dangerously.”

Motorist Ravivarman pointed out the threat to road users, saying, “The lines cross the National Highway connecting the airport to Kappalur Industrial Estate. A high-tension line runs just a few feet below these sagging lines. A strong gust could lead to contact between the two, potentially causing blackouts or fire.”

A TANTRANSCO official stated that a team will visit the site for inspection. The spokesperson added, “This 330 kV line is a key transmission route from Thoothukudi to Pasumalai, designed to handle increased power loads in southern Tamil Nadu. While lines naturally sway during wind, we will ensure all safety measures are reviewed and reinforced.”

Residents have called for urgent action to secure the area, prevent accidents, and safeguard commuters and nearby farmlands.

In Cuddalore’s Thittakudi taluk, V. Kanitha (35), R. Parijatham (45), A. Chinnaponnu (40), and S. Rajeswari (48) were working in fields, spraying fertilizer, when lightning struck around 5 pm, killing them instantly. The injured K. Thavamani (38) lost her eyesight and is receiving treatment at Veppur Government Hospital. In Tiruvannamalai, M. Venda (40) of Kalasapakkam block also died in a separate lightning strike.

The victims’ bodies have been sent for autopsy at the Government Hospital in Virudhachalam.

Heavy Rain and Flooding Across the State

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially declared the arrival of the northeast monsoon over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. The IMD issued thunderstorm and lightning warnings, predicting gusty winds up to 30–40 kmph until October 20.

• Kayalpattinam (Thoothukudi) recorded the state’s heaviest rainfall at 15.4 cm, followed by Tiruchendur at 14.6 cm.

• The Tiruchendur Murugan Temple and nearby Sivan temple were completely submerged.

• Schools and colleges in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Tenkasi were closed as a precaution.

In Tirunelveli, heavy rainfall of 4.85 cm in eight hours caused severe water-logging, impacting traffic. Areas like Naalumukku (14.7 cm), Oothu (14 cm), Kakkachi (13.2 cm), and Manjolai (10.5 cm) reported very heavy showers. Authorities temporarily restricted tourist access to Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Courtallam, Manimuthar waterfalls, and local temples.

Forecast for the Coming Days

Heavy rainfall is expected in Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Erode, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, and Karaikal.

• Saturday: Isolated heavy rain likely in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Theni, Dindigul, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem.

• Sunday: Isolated showers in Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, Theni, Tenkasi.

• Chennai: Cloudy with moderate rain and thunderstorms.

Residents are urged to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open fields, and take precautions against lightning and water-logging hazards.