Flash Flood at Courtallam Waterfalls Claims Life of 17-Year-Old Boy
Courtallam, Tamil Nadu – The serene Courtallam Waterfalls in the Thenkasi district of Tamil Nadu turned deadly after continuous heavy rains triggered flash floods, catching tourists by surprise and leading to a tragic loss of life.
For the past several days, the Thenkasi district has experienced relentless rainfall, swelling rivers and streams in the area. Courtallam, a popular tourist destination known for its majestic waterfalls, became a perilous site as water levels rose rapidly. Onlookers witnessed a terrifying spectacle as the normally tranquil waterfall transformed into a powerful, towering stream within seconds. The dramatic increase in water flow caused panic among visitors, many of whom were seen running to safety in videos that quickly went viral online.
Amid the chaos, a 17-year-old boy named Ashwin, who was visiting the falls, went missing. Ashwin, a class 11 student from an NGO colony in the Palayamkottai area, had been enjoying the natural beauty of the old Courtallam falls when the flash flood occurred. Despite the quick response by local authorities, including the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, the rescue operation faced significant challenges due to the ferocity of the water flow.
Rescue teams scoured the area, and tragically, Ashwin’s body was discovered half a kilometer away from the waterfall, lodged between rocks. His untimely death has cast a pall over the region, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden natural events.
Courtallam, nestled in the Western Ghats, is not only a shrine but also a cherished spot for tourists seeking the picturesque beauty of its waterfalls. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature, especially during monsoon seasons.
Local authorities have urged tourists and residents to exercise extreme caution and heed weather warnings. The district administration is also considering implementing additional safety measures around popular tourist spots to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life, there is an outpouring of support for Ashwin’s family, and calls for improved safety protocols to ensure the well-being of visitors to the region’s natural attractions.
