Courtallam waterfalls in spate ; tourist bathing banned

Bathing has been prohibited at Courtallam waterfalls in Tenkasi district following a sharp rise in water levels caused by continuous heavy rainfall.
The heavy showers have triggered flooding at several popular waterfalls in the area, including the Main Falls, Five Falls and Old Courtallam Falls. Authorities have barred tourists from bathing as a precautionary measure.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in several Tamil Nadu districts on Thursday, including Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai.
The continuing rainfall has raised concerns over safety at the waterfalls, which attract large numbers of tourists. Visitors have been advised to follow official instructions and avoid entering the water until the restriction is lifted.