Bengaluru lashed by overnight rain; major roads waterlogged, Karnataka minister blames people

Bengaluru rains ( Image: X/@bengalurupost1 )

Bengaluru witnessed a fresh spell of heavy overnight rain on the intervening night of Sunday, May 18, and Monday, May 19, leading to severe waterlogging in various parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert (Heavy rainfall) for Bengaluru till Friday.

According to the Karnataka State Disaster Monitoring Cell, the highest rainfall was recorded in Kengeri at 132 mm, with Vaderahalli in the northern part of Bengaluru close behind at 131.5 mm. Several areas reported over 100 mm of rain overnight. Bengaluru city alone received 103 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, according to an IMD bulletin.

One of the worst rain-affected areas in Bengaluru so far was Sai Layout in Horamavu, which falls in the Mahadevapura zone. On Saturday, pre-monsoon rain submerged the layout with 4-5ft of water, leaving streets flooded to knee level.

Meteorologists noted that these rainfall levels are among the highest recorded in May in recent history, highlighting the increasing unpredictability of the city’s weather patterns.

Waterlogging affected several areas of the city, particularly low-lying zones, with notable flooding at the popular Silk Board junction, Bommanahalli, and HRBR Layout.

As per several news reports, residents have blamed clogged drains and claimed that despite repeated complaints to the authorities, they were not cleaned.

However, pining the blame of the waterlogging at the people of Bengaluru, Karnataka Minister G. Parameshwara said, "I have been observing that people dump paper & bottles in drains- all this leads to clogging."

The Bengaluru police have issued an advisory for northern Bengaluru, warning about waterlogging on New Bel Road toward Ayyappa Temple, from Nagawara bus stop toward Sarayapalya, and Allasandra to Yelahanka Circle.

"Waterlogging has been reported at Balagere T Cross en route to Panathur RUB. Commuters are advised to take alternate routes, drive cautiously, and maintain a safe distance. For emergencies, please dial 112."

The Outer Ring Road, which already faces heavy traffic, also experienced widespread waterlogging at key choke points. Areas highlighted by the police include Kensington Road toward Gurudwara, Silk Board to Bellandur, and from Lowry Railway Underpass to Mahadevapura.

Although no injuries have been reported, a tree that was uprooted in the heavy rains in Jayanagar fell on a parked car and a jeep, damaging them. East End Road towards Mount Carmel School Road was also temporarily closed as a tree fell on the stretch.