Heavy rainfall in Bengaluru on Tuesday wreaked havoc, causing significant traffic snarls and widespread waterlogging across the city. Viral videos shared on social media capture the extent of the flooding, highlighting the challenges faced by residents and bikers.
One particularly striking video shows a bikers struggling to navigate the submerged Panathur railway underpass. As the floodwaters surged unexpectedly, the rider lost control and fell, demonstrating the perilous conditions on the roads. Another viral clip reveals Manyata Tech Park, one of India’s largest office complexes, inundated with rainwater. A user on X shared footage from inside the tech park, indicating that the roads in the area were completely submerged and warning that the relentless rain since early morning would likely exacerbate the flooding.
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Weather Warnings and Government Response
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Bengaluru under an orange alert due to the ongoing heavy rains, prompting the Karnataka government to declare a holiday for schools on Wednesday. Tech companies have also been advised to implement work-from-home policies for their employees to ensure their safety.
Motorists faced immense difficulties navigating the city as several areas, including Varthur, Hebbal, and Kadubeesanahalli, experienced severe waterlogging. The Traffic Police reported gridlocks on major thoroughfares such as ORR, Tumakuru Road, and Airport Road. Bellary Road at Hunsamaranahalli was also heavily affected by flooding.
The Marathalli Weather Union gauge recorded 42.6mm of rainfall since midnight, contributing to a total of 72mm of rainfall in Bengaluru this October alone. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for surrounding districts, including Tumakuru, Mysuru, and coastal Karnataka, predicting continued gloomy weather and showers until October 17.