Bengaluru (Karnataka): Bengaluru was brought to a standstill on Friday as heavy overnight rains caused widespread waterlogging and disrupted traffic on key city roads. The downpour, which began late Thursday night, continued intermittently through Friday morning, affecting commuters and residents across low-lying areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru city recorded 65.5 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours until 5:30 am, with the city’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS) reporting 66 mm. Other areas also recorded significant rainfall, including Doddaballapura (60 mm), Chandurayanahalli in Ramanagara (46 mm), and Hessarghatta in Bengaluru Rural (43 mm).

Karnataka sees widespread rain

The heavy rains were not confined to Bengaluru alone. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) reported substantial precipitation in several districts:

  • Kanagamakalapalli (Chikkaballapura district): 130 mm
  • Tirumani: 114 mm
  • Beechaganahalli: 114 mm
  • Chelur_1: 101 mm
  • Bhandarkumtha (Bidar district): 112 mm

Other areas such as Gadag (51.9 mm), Chandurayanahalli (46 mm), Tamaka in Kolar (21.5 mm), and Mangaluru (20.7 mm) also reported rainfall. The Gulbarga Observatory recorded a dry thunderstorm during the night.

IMD issues yellow alert

In view of the ongoing rainfall, the IMD issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru, forecasting light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph in isolated areas.

The alert also covers Vijayapura, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru, Kolar, and Chikkaballapura. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Safety advisories and precautions

The IMD has issued safety guidelines to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to:

  • Seek safe shelter and avoid taking shelter under trees
  • Unplug electrical and electronic appliances immediately
  • Stay away from water bodies and objects that conduct electricity
  • Exercise caution while driving, particularly in waterlogged areas

The rainfall has also contributed to the formation of new potholes across Bengaluru, creating further challenges for commuters, especially two-wheeler riders.

Impact on traffic and daily life

The overnight downpour caused major traffic snarls on arterial roads such as Residency Road, MG Road, and Old Madras Road, with vehicles moving slowly due to waterlogged stretches. Several bus services and auto-rickshaw routes were disrupted, delaying office-goers and students.

Local residents reported difficulties in navigating narrow lanes and underpasses, where water accumulated rapidly. Social media posts highlighted stranded vehicles and citizens helping each other cross flooded areas.

Ongoing monitoring and preparedness

Civic authorities and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) are monitoring water levels in lakes, drains, and stormwater channels. Efforts are underway to clear blockages and prevent overflow in critical zones.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has deployed teams for emergency response, including pumping water from heavily waterlogged areas and providing assistance to stranded residents.

Broader meteorological scenario

The persistent rains are part of a wider wet spell across Karnataka, which has seen unseasonal and heavy precipitation over the past few days. Meteorologists have warned that additional showers are likely in the next 24–48 hours, keeping the city and neighbouring districts on alert.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and report blocked drains or accidents to emergency services promptly.

Conclusion

While the rains provide relief from the recent dry spell, they also highlight the need for improved urban drainage and road infrastructure. Residents are advised to exercise caution and follow IMD advisories, as flooding, potholes, and traffic congestion continue to pose risks in Bengaluru.