Bengaluru: Heavy rains have once again disrupted daily life in Bengaluru, leading the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for 11 districts across Karnataka, including the state capital. The downpour, which began early Saturday, brought varying intensities of rainfall to different parts of the city. While some areas experienced light showers, others were inundated by heavy rain, causing traffic bottlenecks and leaving many residents confined to their homes.
The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) is on high alert as the rains have caused severe waterlogging in low-lying areas. In one such instance, the municipal body deployed tractors to evacuate residents from a flooded apartment complex. Manyata Tech Park, which houses several prominent tech firms, was also heavily affected by the flooding. With continued rains forecast for Sunday, authorities are bracing for more potential emergencies and disruptions.
In addition to Bengaluru, coastal districts such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada are also under a yellow alert, with strong winds resembling near-cyclonic conditions. Tourists and residents have been cautioned to avoid beaches, and all water-based activities have been suspended for safety reasons.
This extreme rainfall event has raised renewed concerns about infrastructure and water management, especially in areas built near lakes and wetlands. On October 15, Bengaluru recorded a staggering 65 mm of rainfall—an astonishing 228 percent increase over the seasonal average—leading to widespread flooding in 142 locations and the uprooting of 30 trees across the city. With more rain on the horizon, the city’s preparedness is being put to the test once again.
