Heavy Rains wreak havoc in Bengaluru, IMD Issues Yellow Alert, JCB Used To Rescue Stranded People
Bengaluru: Bengaluru today woke up to waterlogged roads, submerged vehicles, traffic snarls, inundated homes and what not. Heavy rains have created havoc in the city after rains lashed several parts for last past 48 hours. Waterlogging has been reported in the city due to incessant rains for over six hours on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. IMD had issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall across 23 districts in Karnataka, including Bengaluru, till Thursday.
According to an IMD bulletin, Bengaluru city alone received 103 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. One of the worst rain-affected areas in Bengaluru was Sai Layout in Horamavu, which falls in the Mahadevapura zone. On Saturday, pre-monsoon rain submerged the layout with knee deep water. Several incidents of trees uprooting, waterlogging, submerged vehicles were reported in the city. A traffic advisory has been issued by the Bengaluru City police which cautioned people of traffic disruption in northern areas, including Sarayipalya, New Bel Road and Yelahanka Circle. Severe flooding was reported in low-lying areas of the city, such as Bommanahalli, Silk Board junction and HRBR Layout. The other affected districts include Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, Kodagu, Belagavi, Bidar, Raichur, Yadgir, Davanagere, and Chitradurga.
Several videos of waterlogging and traffic disruptions also surfaced online including a dramatic video of a BJP MLA visiting the worst hit areas Sai Layout riding a JCB machine. Boats were deployed to carry stranded people to safer places.
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar expressed his concern about the damage and inconvenience caused due to heavy rains. “I am deeply concerned by the havoc caused by relentless rains in Bengaluru…I remain committed to working round the clock to address challenges and ensure relief.” he tweeted. However, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya quickly questioned the government’s preparedness for monsoon highlighting the deputy CM’s handling of the crisis and the prolonged civic issues. “I appreciate your honesty in admitting decades of neglect of civic infrastructure that has led Bengaluru to where it is today,” Surya tweeted. “At least now, will you forgo your tunnel road fantasy and concentrate on the basics?” he added. The MP also pointed out the pace of development under Shivakumar’s leadership, stating “It’s been over two years since you assumed charge sir. We wish to see real, fast paced progress, not excuses” he said in his tweet.
In response, Shivakumar reiterated his commitment to long-term solutions. “I will be visiting the BBMP War Room and flood-affected areas personally to take stock on the ground”. Minister wrote on twitter.
Meanwhile, considering IMD’s yellow alert, authorities have advised citizens to remain inside their homes and stay informed through official channels as Karnataka prepares for several days of unstable weather conditions.