Heavy Rainfall in Madurai Leads to Severe Waterlogging and Flooding

A heavy downpour caused severe waterlogging in Madurai, submerging low-lying areas and prompting rescue operations. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin assured that relief efforts are underway, with medical camps set up for affected residents. The city has seen record rainfall, intensifying concerns as water levels continue to rise.

Madurai faced significant waterlogging and flooding after a brief but intense downpour, with the city recording 10 cm of rainfall on Friday, 4.5 cm of which fell within a 15-minute window, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Many low-lying areas, including Athikulam, Tamukkam, Goripalayam, and Thallakulam, were inundated, causing hardship for residents as knee-deep water flooded residential neighborhoods.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the government is closely monitoring the situation, prioritizing rescue and relief efforts to restore normalcy. He has dispatched two ministers to oversee operations, with additional support from engineers and workers using electric pumps to remove floodwaters. Medical camps have also been set up in 20 affected locations to provide aid to residents.

The flooding was exacerbated by the overflowing Pandalkudi canal, which spilled into nearby areas like Karisalkulam, further impacting homes. The region has seen a substantial 260 mm of rainfall over the last 25 days, surpassing the seasonal average by 60 mm. Authorities confirmed that the Kanmois, traditional waterbodies in Madurai, remain stable and are being closely monitored as they feed into the Vaigai River.

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Madurai Corporation Commissioner C Dinesh Kumar reassured residents that efforts are underway to drain excess water and stabilize impacted areas. With more rains anticipated, officials are taking preventive measures to limit further disruptions.