After Cloudburst, Heavy Rains In Bengaluru For The Next 3 Hours

Bengaluru is preparing for another round of heavy downpours, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for intense rainfall in the next three hours following a sudden cloudburst-like rainfall in the city. The IMD's alert follows a major downpour that led to widespread waterlogging, traffic chaos, and rising water levels in lakes and drains across low-lying areas.

Heavy overnight rains on Tuesday, October 22, caused severe flooding in north Bengaluru, particularly in Yelahanka and areas surrounding Doddabommasandra Lake. This is the second time in two weeks that the Kendriya Vihar apartments in Yelahanka have been submerged. While food relief packets were provided by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) during last week's flooding, no such aid has been reported this time, leaving residents in distress.

On October 22, 16 boats were deployed in Yelahanka to rescue residents from the inundated Kendriya Vihar complex. However, residents expressed frustration at the lack of immediate assistance, noting that while the BBMP had provided food during previous flooding, no such support had been extended this time around.

Overflowing water from Doddabommasandra Lake also flooded areas and layouts nearby, including Vidyaranyapura. In Kuvempu Nagar ward and Basava Samithi Layout, both part of Vidyaranyapura, residents faced water levels as high as four feet, causing severe waterlogging on roads and inside homes throughout the night and into the morning.

Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda visited some of the worst-hit areas on the morning of October 22. "Due to a cloudburst, Doddabommasandra Lake is overflowing for the first time in over 17 years, causing severe flooding in low-lying areas around Vidyaranyapura," Byregowda said. He assured residents that BBMP relief efforts would be expedited and that measures were being taken to manage the situation.

After inspecting the affected areas, Byregowda explained, "The heavy rains in such a short time caused the lake to overflow, filling the surrounding stormwater drains (SWDs) and leading to flooded roads. While water levels have begun to recede, it will take another 2-3 hours for the situation to stabilize. Pumps are being arranged to remove water from flooded basements and homes."

Byregowda also revealed that a meeting would be held to discuss contingency plans in case further rains strike the city overnight.

Widespread Impact in North Bengaluru

Several areas in north Bengaluru, including Tatanagar, Bhadrappa Layout, Balaji Layout, Kodigehalli, and Hebbal Sarovara, were also severely affected by the overflow of Doddabommasandra Lake. In some locations, water levels rose as high as six feet, causing power outages and displacing residents.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Inspects Affected Areas

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath visited the flood-hit areas, including Kendriya Vihar and Doddabommasandra Lake. He acknowledged the severity of the rains, stating, "Despite having functional stormwater drains, the volume of rainwater has overwhelmed the system, causing drains to overflow. A total of 4,000 houses in 10 layouts of Yelahanka zone have been impacted."

Giri Nath added that the water levels, which had risen steadily overnight, would decrease at a similar pace. He assured residents that food packets had been arranged for those affected near Doddabommasandra Lake and that evacuation efforts were underway. "In Kendriya Vihar, the water is up to six feet deep. Sixteen boats have been deployed to evacuate residents, and we are arranging 10 more boats to speed up the process," he said.

With more rain predicted, Bengaluru remains on high alert, as officials work to manage the crisis and ensure residents' safety.