The heavy rains, which have affected both residential and commercial zones, left multiple parts of the city submerged, particularly low-lying regions. Many roads were completely impassable, bringing traffic to a near standstill. Citizens have been facing long delays and diversions, as the city’s infrastructure buckled under the deluge. Vehicles stalled on flooded streets, and in several cases, two-wheelers were washed away. Authorities advised residents to avoid venturing outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
The city's stormwater drainage system has once again proven insufficient to cope with the volume of rain. This has resulted in flooding not just on streets, but also within housing complexes and office buildings. In some areas, residents reported water entering homes, leaving dozens stranded. Emergency services were deployed to help evacuate families from flooded properties.
Meanwhile, local businesses have also suffered. Several stores, especially in areas like HSR Layout and Koramangala, were forced to shut down after water seeped into their premises, damaging goods and property. The municipal corporation is now working on clearing out blocked drains and restoring waterlogged roads, but progress has been slow, adding to the frustration of residents and business owners alike.
Schools across the city have been ordered to remain closed as a precautionary measure due to the risk of further downpours and flooding. Some offices have also encouraged their employees to work from home to avoid the disrupted commute.
Beyond urban areas, reports indicate that nearly 150 homes have been flooded, particularly in the eastern and southern zones of Bengaluru. Emergency rescue efforts have been ramped up, with teams clearing water from over 100 homes. Local authorities have set up temporary shelters to accommodate those displaced by the flooding.
The situation has drawn attention to the chronic issues Bengaluru faces during the monsoon season. Urban experts argue that unplanned urbanization, coupled with a poor drainage network, exacerbates the city's vulnerability to heavy rains. Encroachment on water bodies and green spaces has significantly reduced the natural absorption of rainwater, leaving fewer places for the water to flow.
With rains predicted to continue over the next few days, concerns are growing about potential landslides in the surrounding hill areas. Local weather officials have issued advisories urging citizens to remain cautious, especially in flood-prone zones.