The indelible mark in the history of Kerala was not only the boundaries and landmarks but also the glory of Munnar was washed away in the flood of 1999.
Exactly 99 years ago, that great flood occurred in July 1924. The flood of 99 came to be known as the year 1099 occurred in the month of Karkitaka. The flood began on July 16. By the 19th, the flood had arrived. Around 100 people were washed away in the flood in Munnar alone. The township of Munnar, which is unimaginably developed today, was lost in the floodwaters that rushed in that day. That flood passed by completely robbing a most glorious city. It started with more than two weeks of rain. July 16. The rain became heavy. The British estimate that a total of 485 cm of rain fell in July. It is believed that this is the biggest rain in the history of Kerala.
The history that Munnar had to tell is ancient. The British reached Munnar in 1790 when Tipu Sultan sent an army to Travancore. Colonel Arthur Wellesley led the British army from Madurai and climbed the hill to Munnar in 1790 via Kampammet. The arrival was to meet Tipu. The British did not leave Munnar after the war. In 1878, the British built a fort on the Kannandevan hills, which were leased from the King of Poonjar. The city of Munnar was born from here. 1831 Road built. In 1904 bullock carts were developed. Motor vehicles started running in 1923. Railways, communication systems, electricity distribution network, Kundalawali railway station, monorail service for transporting tea and other goods, hydroelectric project, ropeway, motor bike and other excellent transport facilities and communication facilities including telephone and post were the specialty of old Munnar.
The floodwaters rushed and completely destroyed Munnar, which was the face of development. This flood was also the end of the old town of Munnar. The flood water caused so much damage.
