Torrential rain lashed Madurai in the early hours of Thursday, leaving several roads flooded well into the day, hours after the rain had ceased. Roads around Madurai Junction, Mattuthavani vegetable market, and Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple were all inundated, causing significant disruption for residents and visitors alike.
Flooding Disrupts Commuters and Tourists
Commuters, shoppers, and tourists struggled to move on arterial roads, slowing down traffic considerably. West Veli Road, situated in front of Madurai Junction railway station, was flooded on both sides, making it impossible for passengers to access the station. Regular users of the road attributed the unusual flooding to blockages in the drainage system. The situation persisted for hours with no immediate relief.
Similarly, all four Avani Moola streets surrounding the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple remained waterlogged for hours, with no efforts made to drain the water. This posed a major problem for tourists and devotees visiting the temple during their summer holidays. Arun, a visitor from Karnataka, shared that his family had to cancel their plan to visit the temple early in the morning. However, he added on a positive note that the weather had improved due to the rain, referring to the drop in temperature.
Impact on Local Market and Vendors
Flooded roads near the Mattuthavani vegetable market created difficulties for shoppers in the morning. The almost ankle-deep water made it hard for residents to enter the market, and some even slipped while carrying their purchased vegetables. A vendor at the market expressed frustration, stating, "Not only is it difficult for shoppers, but the condition of the market is also affecting us. Fewer people want to come, and the muddy roads and flooding outside make it tough for us to transport our wares in and out."
Official Response and Future Measures
A senior corporation official confirmed that measures are being taken to pump out stagnant water and clear roads. The goal is to prevent such extensive flooding in the future. "We are clearing connections to stormwater drains at 40 different low-lying spots to prevent flooding," the official explained. Regarding the flooding in front of the railway station, he attributed it to ongoing construction work and assured that once the work is completed and debris cleared, the flooding will cease.
The city administration is focusing on improving drainage infrastructure to mitigate the impact of heavy rains. Residents and visitors are advised to stay cautious and avoid waterlogged areas until the situation normalizes.
