Orange Alert in Bengaluru: Schools Shut, Tech Firms Advised To Implement WFH

With Bengaluru experiencing relentless rainfall, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed the city under an orange alert. In response, the Karnataka government declared a holiday for schools on Wednesday, while advising tech companies to implement work-from-home arrangements for employees.

Although schools are closed, colleges and universities will remain open. College principals have been given a set of safety guidelines to ensure students' protection. Thursday, October 17, will be a state holiday for Valmiki Jayanti.

Since early Tuesday morning, Bengaluru has faced constant downpours, leading to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic congestion in various areas. The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for districts including Tumakuru, Mysuru, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Kolar, Shivamogga, and Chikkaballapura, predicting further disruption through October 17. Rainy conditions are expected to persist in the city until then.

Manyata Tech Park in Nagawara, a significant technology hub, was heavily waterlogged, with videos of flooded roads circulating on social media. Motorists struggled to navigate through waterlogged roads, particularly in Varthur, Hebbal, Kadubeesanahalli, and surrounding areas.

Traffic gridlocks were reported on major routes including the Outer Ring Road (ORR), Tumakuru Road, and Airport Road, with severe waterlogging on Bellary Road near Hunsamaranahalli. "Traffic towards the airport is heavily impacted. We urge commuters to plan their travel and seek alternate routes," warned a traffic police official.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) announced that its flood management teams are operational and ready to assist residents. The civic body provided updates on rainfall-affected areas, with BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath holding a virtual meeting to ensure officials are prepared for emergencies, especially in flood-prone zones.

Bengaluru's Marathalli weather station recorded 42.6mm of rain since midnight, with the city accumulating 72mm of rainfall in October so far. More rain is forecast in the coming days.