Bengaluru: The city of Bengaluru remains submerged under relentless downpours, as heavy rains continued to wreak havoc on Monday morning, flooding major roads and causing severe waterlogging in several neighborhoods. With the city already grappling with similar conditions on Sunday, Bengaluru witnessed yet another standstill, prompting authorities to declare a school holiday as a precautionary measure.
Holiday Declared for Schools and Anganwadis Amid Torrential Downpour
In response to the unrelenting rainfall, the District Collector of Bengaluru Urban announced a holiday for all schools and Anganwadi centers on Monday, October 21. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of children and staff, given the widespread waterlogging and dangerous commuting conditions.
“Due to continuous rain in Bengaluru Urban district, a holiday has been declared for all Anganwadi centres, as well as private and aided primary and high schools, as a precautionary measure in the interest of students,” stated the official notice.
However, the holiday does not extend to degree colleges, post-graduate programs, and technical institutes, such as diploma and engineering colleges. College administrators have been urged to assess their buildings for structural safety, especially in areas prone to flooding or potential damage due to the heavy rains.
IMD Issues ‘Orange Alert’ as More Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Loom
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an ‘orange alert’ for Bengaluru, predicting more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the next few hours. Meteorologists warned of moderate to intense rain showers, accompanied by frequent lightning, posing further risks to the city’s infrastructure and mobility.
Monday’s torrential rains come after a weekend of persistent showers that left several parts of the city waterlogged, particularly low-lying areas. According to weather forecasts, the downpour is expected to continue for several more days, raising concerns over worsening traffic disruptions and damage to property.
Netizens Voice Concerns as Roads Turn into Rivers
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been flooded with videos and photos of Bengaluru’s inundated streets. Residents shared harrowing visuals of submerged roads, with some warning fellow citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
A widely shared video captured the Outer Ring Road (ORR) a major thoroughfare that usually does not flood completely submerged. “This is now on a stretch of ORR which usually doesn’t get inundated. Anyone who does not need to be out on the roads, please do not venture,” one concerned user wrote.
Another user posted about the overflowing drains in low-lying areas, turning streets into mini-rivers. “Drains are overflowing! Mini river streams on the road. Waterlogging is everywhere,” the post read, highlighting the struggles faced by commuters and residents alike.
Traffic Police Issue Alerts as Waterlogging Chokes Major Routes
Bengaluru Traffic Police issued multiple advisories throughout the morning, urging commuters to avoid waterlogged routes and brace for slow-moving traffic. Several crucial roads across the city, including the IT corridors and main arteries leading into business districts, have been severely impacted by rainwater accumulation. As a result, traffic snarls and delays have become the norm, with emergency services working tirelessly to assist stranded vehicles and redirect motorists.
Despite the city’s advanced drainage systems, Bengaluru continues to struggle with managing sudden and heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in even the most developed areas. The situation is further aggravated by the ongoing construction and poor maintenance of stormwater drains in key parts of the city.
City Faces Long Road to Recovery as Rain Persists
With more rain expected, authorities are on high alert, monitoring vulnerable areas and deploying emergency teams to mitigate flooding. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated on weather alerts. The city is preparing for what could be another week of disruptions, as Bengaluru’s infrastructure faces the brunt of the region’s changing monsoon patterns.
