Torrential rain lashed Bengaluru on Wednesday evening, causing widespread disruption as fallen trees, waterlogged roads, and traffic snarls plagued the city. The downpour, which began around 6 PM and continued for over two hours, led to at least 15 incidents of tree falls and branch collapses, severely impacting mobility in key areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy showers for Thursday, urging residents to brace for further challenges.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) control room reported tree falls in prominent locations, including Rajajinagar, Malleshwaram, Koramangala, and JP Nagar, with one incident on Palace Road damaging a parked car. BBMP teams worked through the night to clear debris, but commuters faced prolonged delays due to blocked roads and poor visibility. Major roads such as MG Road, Hosur Road, and Outer Ring Road saw bumper-to-bumper traffic, with waterlogging exacerbating the chaos in low-lying areas like Silk Board Junction and Hebbal.
The sudden deluge caught many residents off guard, with two-wheeler riders and pedestrians struggling to navigate flooded streets. “I was stuck near Koramangala for over an hour. The roads were like rivers, and fallen branches made it worse,” said a local IT professional. Metro services remained a lifeline for some, though stations saw overcrowding as commuters sought alternatives to road travel.
The IMD recorded 45 mm of rainfall in Bengaluru Urban district between 6 PM and 10 PM on Wednesday, classifying it as a significant weather event for the season. Meteorologists attributed the intense showers to a cyclonic circulation over coastal Karnataka, predicting that Thursday’s rainfall could exceed 60 mm in parts of the city. A yellow alert has been issued, warning of potential disruptions due to thunderstorms and gusty winds.
Civic authorities have faced criticism for inadequate pre-monsoon preparedness, with clogged stormwater drains and unpruned trees contributing to the city’s vulnerability. The BBMP has deployed additional teams to monitor vulnerable spots and clear drains, while the traffic police have urged commuters to avoid non-essential travel during peak rain hours. Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to stay indoors and report emergencies to the BBMP helpline.
The recurring issue of tree falls has reignited debates over urban planning and tree maintenance in Bengaluru, once known as India’s Garden City. Environmentalists argue that aging trees, weakened by concretization and poor root systems, are increasingly susceptible to heavy rain and winds. The BBMP has promised to conduct a city-wide survey of at-risk trees, but residents remain skeptical given similar unfulfilled assurances in the past.
As Bengaluru gears up for another day of heavy rain, civic agencies and citizens alike are on high alert, hoping to mitigate the impact of nature’s fury on the city’s strained infrastructure.
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