Bengaluru has been on alert again following a devastating rain that killed nine, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rain later today.
Afternoon will be cloudy in the city, with thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy showers during the evening or night, the latest weather report said. The recent drenching on April 29 laid bare the city’s precarious infrastructure and left a trail of destruction.
The most tragic incident was the collapse of a compound wall near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Shivajinagar that killed seven people, among them a child. The toll from electrocution also included multiple deaths, totalling nine. Weather officials have since issued area-wise alerts, advising residents to stay alert.
South Bengaluru areas, including J. P. Nagar, Jayanagar, Bannerghatta Road, and BTM Layout, are expected to experience intense rainfall. Heavy showers are anticipated in places like Whitefield, Marathahalli, HSR Layout, and Bellandur in East Bengaluru.
Moderate to heavy rains are expected in Central Bengaluru (Majestic, M. G. Road, Shantinagar). Northern parts like Yelahanka, Hebbal, and R. T. Nagar are predicted to receive lighter showers. Safety advisories have been issued by authorities, especially in connection with recent deaths by electrocution.
Citizens should refrain from standing near electric poles, transformers, or exposed wires in the rain. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to protect valuables and plan for waterlogging. The storm hit on Wednesday, and its effects reverberated throughout the city. In some spots like Malleswaram, Sheshadripuram, and Shantinagar, trees fell, and over 50 spots are impacted.
Rainwater also flowed into sections of Vidhana Soudha, the administration of Karnataka, including corridors and offices. Opposition leader R. Ashoka was also said to have had his office in the capital flooded. Low-lying areas like Richmond Town and Shantinagar were transformed into islands as streets became submerged in waist-deep water.
Commuters had to endure a hard time, their vehicles stranded for hours in traffic jams caused by waterlogged roads. Public transportation also suffered, with metro services reportedly being disrupted, workers unable to return home or making the long trek as they tried to come and go from work.
Though the rain helped calm the fires and cool temperatures that soared to 37°C just last week, it also caused the city to freeze. As Bengaluru gears up for more downpours, authorities are on high alert to avert additional loss of life and property.
