ST Cryptic 2469

[legin7]

20d. A house is engulfed by the flood:awful misfortune. Would scourge be right, with surge for flood, but can anyone explain the co part?

[dr b]

'house' can mean 'company' as in 'a brokerage house'

[legin7]

Thanks very much, very helpful. I could only find reference to companies commanding officer etc. So now I will add this to the list.
Many thanks.