Bengaluru: A significant downpour on Saturday night led to widespread waterlogging and multiple tree falls across Bengaluru, severely impacting motorists and residents. The heavy rainfall inundated several major roads and apartment complexes, causing considerable inconvenience and safety concerns.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) helpline was overwhelmed with calls as many residents reported delayed or missed responses during the flooding. In Binnypet, a compound wall collapsed, allowing dirty water from the Park West apartment complex to flood New Binnypet. CCTV footage captured two men parking their motorcycle and entering a house just moments before the 20-foot-long, 10-foot-high wall gave way around 8 pm, resulting in damage to at least 20 two-wheelers.
At Kendriya Vihar in Yelahanka, residents of 600 flats were trapped as rainwater flooded the apartment complex. The basement parking area was submerged, affecting over 400 cars and 600 two-wheelers. Firefighters used tractors and goods vehicles to evacuate residents safely.
In Mahadevapura, the road connecting Balagere and Kundalahalli was flooded, disrupting traffic flow. At Malleswaram 17th Cross, two trees fell during the rain, damaging electricity poles. BBMP staff cleared the fallen trees early Sunday morning. Additionally, a large tree toppled onto the BWSSB pipeline road in Jalahalli, another fell in Judicial Layout in Yelahanka, a tree crashed into a neighboring house near the ITC Green Centre, and a Nilgiri tree was uprooted on Link Road in Goraguntepalya.
Flooding was also reported at Kogilu Cross, where a compound wall collapse allowed water to enter homes in Basaveshwara Nagar, Puttenahalli, Yelahanka, and other areas. Bengaluru recorded an average rainfall of 36 mm on Saturday night, with specific areas experiencing the following amounts:
- Kottigepalya: 113 mm
- Hampinagar: 108 mm
- Nagapura: 107 mm
- Chowdeshwari Nagar: 79.5 mm
- Maruti Mandir: 75.5 mm
- Nandini Layout: 71.5 mm
- Rajajinagar: 59 mm
- Nayandahalli: 46 mm
- HAL Airport: 45 mm
- Vidyaranyapura: 45 mm
- Puttenahalli: 42.5 mm
- RR Nagar: 42.5 mm
- Rajmahal Guttahalli: 42.5 mm
In response to the flooding and associated hazards, authorities have temporarily prohibited tourists from entering the sea and deployed additional police personnel to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Bengaluru faces with its urban infrastructure and drainage systems, particularly during heavy rainfall. It underscores the urgent need for improved preparedness and enhanced response mechanisms to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events in the future.
