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Bengaluru and its surrounding districts experienced a deluge of heavy rain on Saturday evening, resulting in extensive flooding across several low-lying areas. The downpour left a trail of destruction, impacting the lives of residents and disrupting daily routines. The city's vulnerability to heavy rainfall was once again highlighted, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and drainage systems.
The severity of the rainfall was particularly evident in Basaveshwaranagar, where 109.5 mm of rain was recorded by 10 PM on Saturday. Other areas, including Nagapura and Hampi Nagar, also witnessed significant precipitation, registering 104 mm and 102 mm, respectively. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather station in central Bengaluru recorded a total of 22 mm of rainfall throughout the day.
The heavy downpour led to widespread waterlogging, inundating homes, businesses, and public spaces. An old-age home in Basaveshwaranagar was affected by the rising water levels, causing inconvenience to more than 15 residents. In Binnypet, a compound wall collapsed, damaging around 10 parked bikes, while the area was also flooded with drain water. The inundation extended to Yelahanka, where over a thousand apartments at Kendriya Vihar were affected, prompting authorities to initiate rescue operations.
The impact of the flooding was not limited to residential areas. The newly inaugurated Palike Bazar in Vijayanagar also faced flooding due to the intense showers. Traffic movement across the city was severely disrupted as waterlogged roads made it difficult for vehicles to navigate. Public transportation was also affected, leading to delays and cancellations.
The IMD has issued a forecast for further thundershowers in Bengaluru and parts of south interior Karnataka until October 9. Heavy rain, thunder, and lightning are expected during this period, prompting warnings for residents to remain cautious. Coastal and Malnad districts are also expected to experience heavy rainfall until October 8. A decrease in rainfall is anticipated after this period.
The recent floods in Bengaluru serve as a stark reminder of the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events. While the heavy rains were a contributing factor, inadequate drainage systems and insufficient infrastructure have exacerbated the situation. Addressing these issues will require a multi-pronged approach involving investments in urban planning, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness.
Source: Bengaluru floods: Heavy rains leave low-lying areas underwater, traffic grounded