How sudden downpour crippled Bengaluru: 3 dead, rafts row through streets, WFH calls rise amid yellow alert

Bengaluru faced massive disruption on Monday after being battered by 130 mm of rainfall in just 12 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for the city and 22 districts across Karnataka, until Thursday, indicating heavy rainfall, across the state on Tuesday as well.

Three people, including a nine-year-old boy, were killed in rain-related incidents as extremely heavy overnight rain brought Bengaluru to its knees on Monday, The Times of India reported.

Damage and waterlogging

According to the Karnataka government, the city recorded 104 mm of rainfall on Sunday, leading to severe flooding in several residential areas.

Streets across south, north, and eastern Bengaluru turned into rivers. Over 500 homes were inundated, more than 20 lakes neared overflow limits, underpasses were shut, flyovers were waterlogged, and public transport was severely hit. The city’s bus service was partially suspended due to impassable roads, according to the report.

The Greater Bengaluru Municipal Corporation (BBMP) Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao called it the second-highest rainfall in a decade. “Sometimes, things get out of hand. We are working on it,” he said. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed concern and promised long-term solutions.

"Deeply concerned by the havoc caused by relentless rains in Bengaluru. I've continuously been in touch with the concerned officers and closely monitored the situation. As always, I remain committed to Bengaluru - working around the clock to address challenges and ensure relief. I will personally visit the BBMP War Room and flood-affected areas to take stock on the ground. Let us be clear: the issues we face today are not new. They have been ignored for years, across governments and administrations. The only difference now is - we are working to solve them, not with temporary fixes, but with long-term, sustainable solutions. To my fellow Bengalureans - I am one among you. I understand your concerns, I share your frustration, and I assure you of my commitment to resolve them, " he said in a post on X.

Call for work-from-home

Amid the chaos, Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan urged IT companies, including Infosys, to allow employees to work from home for two days. “Due to rains and waterlogging, companies should declare work-from-home,” he posted on X.

Personal struggles amid floods

Among those affected was 28-year-old Nandini S, a pregnant woman who got stranded in a flooded BMTC bus near the Central Silk Board Metro station, The Times of India reported. Water levels rose quickly around the vehicle, stranding passengers for over half an hour. Many walked out through waist-deep water, but Nandini couldn’t. “I was scared. I couldn’t walk that far alone in this condition,” she said after being rescued. An earthmover later cleared the way.

Political slugfest

Home Minister G Parameshwara acknowledged the waterlogging and said the newly-formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is taking corrective steps. “BBMP is taking action, but there is still a lot of trash accumulation across areas,” he noted. The opposition has criticised the government for inadequate urban infrastructure and flood preparedness.

“What Karnataka Congress promised: Brand Bengaluru, What Karnataka Congress delivered: Beach Bengaluru. Part-time Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar, if you are done with your brother DK Suresh’s Milk Union Elections, kindly give some time to Bengaluru,” Leader of Opposition R Ashoka wrote in a post on X.