Heavy Rain Floods Coimbatore City, Disrupts Ayudha Pooja Preparations

Coimbatore: Heavy rains that battered Coimbatore city and its suburbs since Sunday afternoon have inundated several residential neighbourhoods and major roads, disrupting traffic and affecting normal life just ahead of Ayudha Pooja.

Waterlogging, sewage overflow and uprooted trees were reported in multiple locations, prompting the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation to intensify efforts to drain stagnant rainwater.

Corporation officials stepped up flood-mitigation measures, deploying high-capacity motor pumps to clear waterlogged streets. The Corporation Commissioner also inspected inundated areas to assess the situation and oversee remedial measures. Severe waterlogging was reported at Shobha Nagar on Ward 28, where Corporation personnel were engaged in pumping out accumulated rainwater.

Rathnapuri, Kavundampalayam and Kuniyamuthur are among the worst-affected areas, with residents in Rathnapuri staging a protest after sewage water mixed with rainwater reportedly entered residential neighbourhoods. Several two-wheelers parked on the roads were submerged in the flood rainwater, while cars got stuck with starting trouble due to water clogging their engines.

Traffic congestion was also reported along Avinashi Road, the Mettupalayam stretch, and Kuniyamuthur and Nallampalayam, leaving motorists drenched in rain and queued up for long stretches.

Although rainfall has subsided in several parts of the city, Kuniyamuthur and surrounding localities continue to experience showers. Further overnight rainfall could worsen the situation in already waterlogged neighbourhoods, raising concerns among residents and civic authorities.

The downpour has also dealt a blow to small traders selling flowers and puja essentials at Coimbatore's flower and puja-items market ahead of Monday's Ayudha Puja celebrations. Flower garlands, mango leaves, banana leaves, puffed rice, incense sticks and other festive items were drenched in the rain, leaving several stalls deserted as traders struggled to protect their stock and minimise losses.

With festive preparations underway amid continuing rainfall, residents have been advised to drive cautiously, avoid waterlogged roads and refrain from unnecessary travel. Motorists should remain alert to fallen trees, concealed potholes and sewage-contaminated water while travelling through affected areas.