Rain leaves over 100 houses inundated in Erode city

ERODE: Heavy rain lashed the city between 12am and 4am on Wednesday, leaving residents distressed as a couple of areas were flooded.

Rainwater left more than 100 houses in Sathya Nagar, and Malli Nagar inundated. Civic body officials pumped out the water using electric motors.

Residents claimed rainwater had entered their houses as the Pichaikaran Odai canal which passes through the city was breached due to rain. "The canal is filled with plastic bottles, bags and garbage due to which rainwater overflowed into the houses," said P Sasikala, a resident.

"The city received 20.6mm of rain as per the meteorological department's records," said S Muthusamy, prohibition and excise department minister. He added that officials rescued residents immediately after they were alerted. Those affected were sheltered at a nearby marriage hall. The minister distributed relief materials including food, and bed sheets to those affected. He assured them that officials will find a permanent solution for the waterlogging issue at the earliest.

Later in the day, corporation officials desilted the canal with an earthmover and residents returned to their houses after officials drained the stagnated water.