Building Shakes in Coimbatore: 30 Workers Evacuated, Stability Check Ordered

Over 30 workers were evacuated from a three-storey building in R.S. Puram, Coimbatore, on Thursday evening after residents reported that the structure was shaking, prompting a coordinated response from police and emergency services.

The building, located on West Sambandam Road, is approximately 20 years old and houses several small jewellery-making units. Concerned neighbours alerted the police, saying the building appeared to be unstable and was vibrating. The complaint was treated as a priority, and officials from the Fire and Rescue Services, Public Works Department (PWD), and local police reached the spot promptly.

As a precaution, five fire tenders were deployed to the location. The workers inside the building were asked to evacuate immediately, and the area was cordoned off while an initial assessment was carried out. Witnesses said tension prevailed in the locality as residents and workers gathered outside, watching the officials examine the structure.

An executive engineer from the PWD conducted a detailed inspection of the building's exterior and interior, looking for visible signs of distress such as cracks, settlement, or structural movement. After the review, the officials concluded that there was no immediate danger, and the workers were allowed to resume their duties.

However, the authorities did not dismiss the concerns. Police sources said the building owner has been instructed to engage the architect who originally designed the structure to carry out a comprehensive stability audit. The architect must submit a detailed report to the PWD, following which the departments will decide if any remedial measures are required.

The exact cause of the reported shaking has not been determined. Such incidents in buildings housing machinery can sometimes arise from the operation of heavy equipment, while at other times they point to underlying structural weaknesses. The forthcoming audit is expected to clarify the situation.

The Fire and Rescue Services team remained on standby during the inspection. Although no fire-related emergency occurred, their presence was part of the standard protocol for building safety alerts. Officials later confirmed that no visible damage was found on the structure.

The incident has brought attention to the safety of ageing buildings in Coimbatore's busy commercial districts. R.S. Puram is a prominent business hub, and many structures in the area are decades old. While Tamil Nadu has guidelines for structural audits of buildings over 15 years old, compliance has been inconsistent. Civic experts argue that periodic inspections should be mandatory, especially for buildings that house workshops and small-scale manufacturing units.

Structural engineers recommend that buildings over two decades old undergo detailed inspections every few years. In many cases, minor issues can be rectified before they become major hazards. Thursday's event serves as a reminder for building owners and occupants to stay vigilant about maintenance and safety standards.

Residents in the vicinity welcomed the quick response but expressed hope that the authorities would ensure a thorough follow-up. "We need regular safety checks, not just when complaints arise," said a local shopkeeper, who did not wish to be named. The police have assured that the situation will be monitored, and action will be taken based on the stability report.

No injuries or damage have been reported. The building owner has been cooperative, and the process of obtaining the architect's report is underway. Further decisions regarding the building's occupancy will depend on the findings.