Bengaluru experienced a sudden and intense overnight downpour between Sunday, October 5, and Monday, October 6. This relentless rain caused widespread flooding, toppled trees, and brought traffic to a standstill across many parts of the city, exposing critical weaknesses in its infrastructure.
According to data from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the strong winds accompanying the showers led to seven trees being uprooted and 25 tree branches snapping.
In Siddapura, a neighborhood in south Bengaluru, roads quickly became inundated with ankle-deep water shortly after the rain began on Sunday evening. Frustrated residents voiced their concerns on social media, with one user remarking on the “crumbling infrastructure of Bengaluru” and tagging civic authorities and the Deputy Chief Minister.
A tree fall occurred at Rajajinagar near Navarang theatre, following heavy rain in Bengaluru on the intervening night of October 5-6.
Tree-falls and waterlogging paralyze traffic
Morning commuters faced severe disruptions as traffic police issued numerous advisories due to fallen trees and widespread waterlogging. A tree that fell near TVS Cross forced a temporary closure of connecting roads, rerouting motorists to NTTF Road. Similarly, another treefall near Navarang Junction shut down a city-bound lane, while standing water on the Hebbal flyover caused significant delays. Adding to the city’s woes, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on the Electronic City flyover, further exacerbating the congestion.
Traffic police issued multiple advisories throughout the morning as tree falls and waterlogging obstructed several major routes.
IMD forecast: More rain expected
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a partly cloudy sky for Bengaluru and its surrounding areas over the next 24 to 48 hours. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected, accompanied by gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph. Temperatures are predicted to range between a maximum of 29°C and a minimum of 20°C.
Despite civic emergency teams being dispatched to clear fallen trees and branches, residents continue to express deep concern on social media about the inadequate drainage systems and the persistent issue of flooding, even after relatively short periods of rain.