Bengaluru faced a significant crisis on Tuesday as a portion of an under-construction building collapsed, reportedly due to the heavy rains that have persisted since last week. Officials indicate that between 10 to 12 people may be trapped under the debris at the site located in Babusapalya, East Bengaluru. Rescue teams have swiftly arrived at the scene and are actively working to clear the rubble in an effort to save those trapped. So far, three individuals have been rescued.
The relentless rain has resulted in widespread waterlogging across various parts of the city, severely disrupting daily life. Many children have been unable to attend school, while numerous passengers have missed flights and train connections due to the adverse weather conditions. In Yelahanka, on the city’s outskirts, residents of an apartment complex had to be evacuated using boats as flooding overwhelmed the area.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who oversees the Bengaluru Development portfolio, addressed the situation, stating that while the government cannot control natural events, they are taking all necessary measures to mitigate suffering. “You might have noticed in the media what is happening in Dubai and Delhi. There is pollution in Delhi and rain in Dubai, which is a drought-prone region. There is a similar situation in many parts of the country,” he remarked, emphasising the ongoing challenges posed by nature.
Mr Shivakumar assured the public that information is being gathered from various teams and that efforts are underway to address the crisis. Pumps have been deployed to drain excess water from apartments and low-lying areas, and both state and national disaster response teams are actively engaged in relief operations.
As rescue operations continue, the situation remains critical for those potentially trapped under the collapsed building. The authorities are committed to using all available resources to ensure a swift response and recovery.
The recent heavy rainfall has not only led to structural failures but has also disrupted the lives of many Bengaluru residents. The government’s proactive measures and the ongoing rescue efforts underscore the seriousness of the situation as officials work to bring relief to those affected by the extreme weather.