Erode records 156 mm rain as sewage-mixed water floods homes, hospital and shops
Heavy rain that began around 7 p.m. on Thursday and continued through the night flooded roads, houses and commercial establishments across Erode district, with Erode city recording the highest rainfall in the district at 156 mm.
Sewage mixed with rainwater in several areas, causing hardship to residents, motorists and traders. According to the district's rainfall figures for Thursday night, Modakkurichi recorded 94 mm, Bhavani 72 mm, Gunderipallam 57 mm, Bhavanisagar 56.2 mm, Chennimalai 52 mm, Perundurai 51 mm, Kodumudi 33.4 mm, Nambiyur 24 mm, Kavundapadi 21.6 mm, Ammapettai 21.2 mm, Varattupallam 20.6 mm, Gobichettipalayam 17.2 mm, Thalavadi 15.2 mm and Kodiveri 13.2 mm. The cumulative rainfall across the district was reported at 731 mm.
The rain intensified in the early hours before easing, with a drizzle continuing through the night.
Several roads were inundated, including Meenakshi Sundaranar Road, the Manikoondu area and R.K.V. Road. In Veerappanchatram, rainwater mixed with sewage stagnated on the roads, disrupting traffic. Several two-wheelers developed mechanical problems after being submerged.
More than 10 houses on Periya Kuttai Street in Veerappanchatram were inundated. Rainwater also entered a hospital, a pharmacy, a grocery store and other commercial establishments in the locality.
Residents said the area lies lower than the road level following the expansion of Sathy Road, which they said has led to frequent flooding. They said repeated complaints to officials had not brought relief.
Shops on Kongalamman Street were also flooded. Waterlogging and mud at the VOC Park Ground vegetable market caused hardship to traders and customers who arrived for wholesale business on Friday morning.
The flooding in Erode reflects a pattern seen in several Tamil Nadu towns, where rapid road expansion and construction have altered natural drainage, leaving low-lying colonies vulnerable whenever heavy rain occurs in a short span. Stormwater drains and sewage lines are maintained by urban local bodies, and residents in such areas typically rely on the civic body for desilting and repair work ahead of the monsoon.
The mixing of sewage with floodwater is a known public health concern, as it can spread waterborne infections. Public health guidance in such situations generally advises residents to avoid wading through stagnant water, to boil drinking water, and to seek medical attention for fever or stomach-related symptoms.
Waterlogged streets also pose risks for commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders, who may not be able to judge the depth of water or the condition of the road surface beneath it.
Details of any official damage assessment or relief measures were not immediately available. The district administration has not issued a public statement on the flooding so far.
