Several places in Bengaluru were inundated with water after three days of continuous rain. The heavy rain wreaked havoc in the IT hub, leading to widespread flooding.
Five teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to rescue residents trapped in various flooded areas. Schools
In the eastern part of Bengaluru, an under-construction building collapsed due to the heavy rains, leaving several people buried under the debris. Rescue teams are working on the scene, and so far, three bodies have been recovered. Fourteen people have been rescued, but three remain missing. In a separate incident, two children drowned in Kengeri Lake.
Local authorities declared a holiday for schools on Wednesday as a precaution. The Fire and Emergency Department has deployed two rescue vans to assist in the ongoing rescue operations. Preliminary investigations suggest the entire building collapsed during the continuous downpour.
Severe Impact In North Bengaluru
North Bengaluru has been the worst affected by the rains, with many areas, including Yelahanka, submerged in waist-deep water. Rainwater has flooded apartment complexes, causing around 600 residents to be asked to relocate for eight days. Rescue workers are using boats to evacuate stranded residents in flooded areas.
Widespread Waterlogging
Waterlogging in several areas severely disrupted daily life in parts of North Bengaluru. Many residents are unable to leave their homes and numerous travellers also miss their flights, trains and buses. Children in waterlogged areas cannot attend school and nearby lakes have overflowed, causing damage to vehicles and household appliances.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that heavy rainfall will continue in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the next few days. IMD issued a warning of more heavy rains in the coming days, not only in Karnataka but also in Kerala, Rayalaseema, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and parts of West Bengal.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy criticised the Karnataka government for its handling of the crisis, comparing Bengaluru to Venice, a city known for its waterways and boat transportation. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the city witnessed 300 per cent more rainfall than the normal rains in the season and efforts are underway to better the situation.
Bengaluru: Five Killed In Rain-Related Incidents As Heavy Downpour Triggers Massive Chaos; Rescue Ops On
