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Bengaluru deluged: Heavy rain floods homes, cripples city

Responding to Opposition’s jibes, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asked, “Can we command nature to stop the rains?”

Mahesh M Goudar
Nolan Patrick Pinto

Published Oct 16, 2024 | 3:50 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 16, 2024 | 4:28 PM

Bengaluru deluged: Heavy rains cause disruptions across the city

Bengaluru deluged: Heavy rains cause disruptions across the city

Bengaluru is reeling from heavy rains that have battered the city since early Tuesday, 15 October. Heavy rains have led to widespread disruptions and traffic chaos. Streets are inundated, and numerous areas are experiencing significant water logging. As the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts continued rainfall, residents and authorities brace for more challenges ahead. 

This marks the second consecutive day of disruption to daily life. According to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC): “Bengaluru Urban district has recorded 153mm rainfall in the last 24 hours. The state capital recorded highest rainfall in the state on Tuesday.”

“Bommanahalli zone has recorded an average rainfall of 28.56mm, Dasarahalli recorded 35.16mm, Eash Zone reported 41.27mm, South zone recorded 40mm, West zone reported 41.41mm, 41.53mm, RR Nagar recorded 29.31 mm and Yelahanka reported 77.87mm rainfall,” claimed the KSNDMC.

HAL airport, Marathahalli, Doddanekkundi, Chowdeshwari, Banasavadi, Pulakeshi Nagar, Vidyaranyapura and Jakkur are the most affected areas in the Bengaluru city.

Related: Bengaluru rains: Holidays declared for schools

Though the intensity of the rain has reduced, the state capital continues to witness moderate rainfall since wednesday morning. However, no causalities have been reported due to rains so far.

Meanwhile, the BBMP has cautioned residents of Banneragatta, Gurappanapalya, JP Nagar, RR Nagar, BEML Layout, Shankarappa Layout, Bangarappa Nagar are likely to receive severe rains in the next 24 hours.

Mahadevapura, Pai Layout, Herohalli, Global Village, Kempamma Layout, HSR Layout, Bommanahalli and Rajagopal Nagar are expected to receive moderate rains.

In the midst of rains, the BBMP is carrying out relief works such as clearing blockage in drainage system, waterlogging on roads and uprooted trees.

Traffic police issue advisory 

The Bengaluru traffic police have issued a traffic advisory due to water logging affecting several key areas during the ongoing rains. 

Also Read: Central aid for disaster relief leaves States wanting

Bengaluru traffic police said motorists should expect slow-moving traffic at Palace Cross Junction heading towards 1st Main Road in Seshadripuram, as well as at Kogila Cross towards Hegde Nagar. Additionally, congestion is reported at the Madiwala Ayyappa Underpass leading towards Madiwala Police Station.

Drivers are also advised to exercise caution at the Devinagar railway bridge while approaching the Outer Ring Road, where water accumulation has been noted. 

The police urged all commuters to plan their routes accordingly and remain vigilant while navigating these impacted areas.

Safety concerns and rescue efforts

Heavy rains and flooding caused land to cave in at an under-construction site in Manyata Tech Park. The area has been severely impacted by the ongoing rains, raising safety concerns for workers and residents nearby.

Related: Villages along Malaprabha river at risk of flooding

Meanwhile, Civic officials in Bengaluru are using tractors to rescue residents stranded in the flooded Kendriya Vihar apartment complex. The heavy rains have caused significant water logging, making regular transportation impossible.


Areas like Shirdi Saibaba Layout in the East Zone were particularly affected, with houses and roads flooded after two days of relentless downpour. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, in effect until 17 October.

Commissioner Tushar Girinath visited the flood-affected areas including Manyata Tech Park in the Yelahanka zone on Wednesday morning. 

Incessant rainfall has resulted in water logging in several places in Manyata Tech Park in Hebbal. Earlier in the day, the under-construction site collapsed in the same tech park.  

Also Read: Bengaluru undisputed Silicon Valley of India

Yelahanka zone recorded an average rainfall of 77.87mm on Tuesday, resulting in flooding in several areas and main junctions.

Deputy CM criticises opposition 

When asked about the ongoing rains in Bengaluru, DK Shivakumar told reporters, “Schools have been given a holiday as a precautionary measure. There is a chance of more rain today, which could lead to traffic congestion. The public should plan accordingly.”

“I will conduct another meeting with officials from the BBMP, Police, and Fire departments to assess the situation after I return from the inauguration of the Cauvery 5th Stage project,” added the Deputy CM. 

In response to tweets from Opposition leaders about the rains, he stated: “You (opposition parties) are spoiling the image of your state. Can we command nature to stop the rain? These are unseasonal rains caused by cyclones. The government and the people of Bengaluru are fully capable of managing it.”

(Compiled by Ananya Rao)

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