Heavy rains lashed Bengaluru on Thursday, leading to severe waterlogging in the city's IT corridors and blocking several underpasses. The downpour, which began in the afternoon, continued unabated for hours, causing chaos on the roads and disrupting normal life.
Flooding in Key Areas
The worst-affected areas included the Outer Ring Road (ORR), Marathahalli, Bellandur, and Sarjapur Road, which are home to numerous tech parks and offices. Several underpasses, including those at Hebbal, Yeshwanthpur, and KR Puram, were submerged, forcing commuters to take alternative routes. Many vehicles were stranded in knee-deep water, leading to long traffic jams.
Impact on Commuters
Commuters faced immense difficulty as cab and auto-rickshaw hailing apps displayed steep surge pricing or showed no vehicles available in many locations. Office-goers were seen waiting for hours at bus stops and metro stations, hoping to find a way home. Some tech companies allowed employees to work from home or leave early due to the weather conditions.
Government Response
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) deployed teams to clear water from the roads and underpasses. However, the efforts were hampered by the continuous rain. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) warned of more heavy rainfall in the coming days and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel.
Precautionary Measures
Residents in low-lying areas were advised to stay alert and move to safer places if needed. The BBMP has set up control rooms to receive complaints about waterlogging and fallen trees. Citizens can call the helpline numbers for assistance.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the monsoon will be active over the next week, with more heavy showers expected in the city and surrounding districts. Authorities have urged people to follow safety guidelines and avoid venturing into flooded areas.
