Overnight rain leaves Madurai flooded

Madurai: Madurai returned to normal within six to seven hours of flooding triggered by overnight rain, as a prepared corporation machinery and TVK MLAs on the ground helped clear water from most neighbourhoods by Friday morning. Sellur, however, remained inundated until evening, with residents blaming poorly timed Pandhalkudi channel works for worsening the flooding.Corporation commissioner Gaurav Kumar, who inspected low-lying areas along the Vaigai in the early hours, said around 80 pumps, including 35 heavy-duty units, and two rented super-sucker machines were kept ready for deployment across 180 identified flood-prone spots. The arrangements helped clear water within hours from Goripalayam, Anna Nagar, Mattuthavani and several other areas.In Sellur, however, residents were furious as knee-deep rainwater mixed with sewage entered hundreds of houses along the 50-foot and 60-foot roads and remained stagnant until evening. Drainage outlets blocked during the ongoing Pandhalkudi channel construction prevented water from flowing out. “Many have no choice, otherwise we would have evacuated and left the area a long time ago,” said resident Subbulakshmi, describing recurring damage to houses.Gaurav attributed the flooding to Sellur’s low-lying terrain and said the water resources department had deployed an excavator to remove silt and restore drainage. Madurai North MLA A Kallanai, who inspected the area, said workers were addressing the problem and expected to complete restoration within half an hour.Access posed another challenge in Muthuramalingapuram and Swarajyapuram, where van-mounted pumps could not enter narrow streets. The corporation now plans to deploy pumps mounted on hired three-wheelers before the next spell of rain.Meanwhile, the 400-metre stretch between Madurai Junction and Periyar bus stand once again flooded, affecting passengers. A ₹10.53-crore drainage overhaul has already been tendered to address the recurring problem.With more rain forecast for Madurai over the weekend, authorities have warned residents against venturing near the Vaigai and other riverbanks because of the risk of sudden flooding.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Madurai | Silver Rate in Madurai | Bank Holidays in Madurai | Public Holidays in Madurai | Madurai AQI | Weather in Madurai | Petrol Price in Madurai | Diesel Price in Madurai | CNG Price in Madurai | LPG Price in MaduraiStay updated with the latest Madurai news. Download the TOI App.