Bengaluru witnessed heavy rainfall on Saturday (October 12), causing widespread waterlogging, overflowing drains, and fallen trees across the city. The thunderstorms, which lasted several hours, brought traffic to a standstill and disrupted daily life for residents.
Roads submerged, commuters stranded
Major roads including Outer Ring Road (ORR), Whitefield Main Road, and Siddapura were submerged under ankle- to knee-deep water, leaving motorists stranded and vehicles stalled. Traffic snarls were reported near Silk Board, Hebbal, and Majestic, with some commuters stuck for hours.
Residents took to social media platforms, describing the flooding as the “worst in recent memory.” Videos and images circulating online showed streets turned into rivers, footpaths submerged, and vehicles partially submerged in water.
Citizens blame poor drainage and maintenance
Several Bengaluru residents expressed frustration at the city’s drainage infrastructure. Social media posts highlighted that clogged drains and inadequate maintenance worsened the situation.
“Welcome to Neeladri Nagar, where roads have turned into rivers and footpaths into mini swimming pools, all thanks to Bengaluru’s world-class infrastructure! Citizens are forced to wade through filthy, stagnant water just to reach work or home,” one post read.
Another post described the city administration sarcastically as a “real-life GTA where rain is the final boss and cheats are disabled,” underscoring public anger over the recurring waterlogging issues.
Meteorological department issues alert
Officials from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said more rainfall is expected in the coming days due to low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal. Citizens have been advised to exercise caution while travelling and avoid waterlogged areas.
The persistent rainfall has brought Bengaluru’s chronic drainage issues into focus, with residents urging authorities to prioritise infrastructure maintenance to prevent recurring flood situations during the monsoon and post-monsoon period.
Disruption to daily life
The floods have affected schools, offices, and public transport across the city. Emergency services were pressed into action to remove fallen trees and assist stranded commuters. Local authorities have also deployed pumps in some areas to drain accumulated water.
With more rain forecast in the coming days, Bengaluru residents are bracing for continued disruption, as the city grapples with the challenges posed by heavy downpours and aging drainage systems.