Bengaluru Lashed by Heavy Rain, Roads Waterlogged; Farmer Killed by Lightning Strike in Haveri

Bengaluru had another spell of heavy rainfall on Monday afternoon as dark clouds covered the city and heavy rain flooded the city, accompanied by thunder and lightning, causing waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruption of daily life in Bengaluru. The sudden downpour affected commuters across the Karnataka capital, with several key roads and low-lying areas submerged under rainwater.

Bengaluru Lashed by Heavy Rain | Photo Credit: https://x.com/CitizenPulseX | https://x.com/anser176 | https://x.com/kovaisandhya
Bengaluru Lashed by Heavy Rain | Photo Credit: https://x.com/CitizenPulseX | https://x.com/anser176 | https://x.com/kovaisandhya

Heavy rain was reported in many areas of the city: Majestic, Anand Rao Circle, KR Puram, Tin Factory, TC Palya, Jakkur, Hebbal. The heavy rainfall dimmed visibility on roads, and drivers put on their headlights even in the morning. Cars were slowly moving through waterlogged areas and congested junctions.

Among the worst hit was the area around the KR Puram Metro Station and Tin Factory junction, where rainwater poured on streets and traffic was snarled. Drivers in peak afternoon hours encountered lengthy delays as they travelled at a crawl through flooded areas. Residents also posted pictures and videos on social media showing flooded roads and cars struggling to get through stagnant waters.

Bengaluru Traffic Police issued advisories to motorists to drive with caution. They also highlighted water accumulation near Geddalahalli Railway Bridge, where heavy rainwater accumulation was blocking traffic towards Hennur, and the police advised drivers to travel slowly and carefully, avoid unnecessary driving on waterlogged roads, and follow traffic updates from the police.

The recent rainfall comes amid a weather system affecting parts of Karnataka. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says Bengaluru and other parts of South Interior Karnataka will continue to get rainfall and thunderstorms over the next two days. Moderate to heavy showers are predicted on both October 5 and October 6, and waterlogging in the city's vulnerable areas will also increase, the weather department said.

Officials warned that underpasses, low-lying neighbourhoods, or roads with poor drainage systems will have temporary flooding if the rain continues. Office workers returning home after work will also need to take more time to travel and keep track of weather and traffic alerts, they said. Civic agencies will also be on the watch for rain-related emergencies and clear blocked drains if necessary.

While the rains did cause inconvenience in Bengaluru, they provided relief from warm weather in the Kodagu district. Many parts of the hill district had heavy rain and thunder and lightning, bringing cooler temperatures and refreshing weather conditions. The rain was welcomed by residents and farmers who had been waiting for the seasonal rains.

But there was also a tragic incident in Haveri district where a farmer lost his life after being struck by lightning. The incident occurred in Chikkamaralihalli village of Savanur taluk during a spell of heavy rain and thunderstorms. The deceased has been identified as Doddahanumantappa Ningappa Ritti (60), a resident of the village.

Doddahanumantappa had been in his agricultural field when heavy rain suddenly began. He took shelter beneath a tree located on his farmland. Just moments later, a powerful lightning strike hit the area, killing him on the spot.

Since Karnataka has been experiencing significant rainfall and thunderstorm activity, authorities have advised people to avoid taking shelter under trees during lightning events and to stay indoors whenever possible. With the IMD predicting continued rainfall in many districts, residents are advised to stay alert and take precautions against weather-related risks.