The Horamavu region was among the worst hit by the Sunday night heavy downpour that left much of Bengaluru in ruins. Rescue crews had to use boats on Monday morning to get to stranded citizens in flooded neighbourhoods, which served as a sobering reminder of the city’s ongoing civic failings.
Water levels outside a number of houses in Horamavu’s Vidyaranyapura Sai Layout rose over knee height. Boats were utilised by authorities to evaluate damage and deliver aid. Residents have often protested and appealed for improvements to the roads and sufficient stormwater drainage, but the neighbourhood is still extremely vulnerable after every downpour.
The suburbs weren’t the only areas affected by the water. Familiar sights played out throughout the city: low-lying roadways, including the infamous Panathur railway underpass, were once again flooded. Widespread waterlogging caused severe traffic congestion on major highways like Silk Board Junction, Nagawara, and New BEL Road.
Manyata Tech Park Has a Lake-Like Shape
Manyata Tech Park, which appeared more like a shallow lake than a workplace, was one of the most remarkable photos from Monday morning. At some locations of entrance, over two feet of water had accumulated. In order to pump out the water, the park’s management stated that they were working with city officials.
Online indignation broke out as locals bemoaned the lack of preparation and frequent flooding. “In Namma Bengaluru, where the BBMP is unable to complete even one SWD [stormwater drain] project, flooding occurs after regular rainfall… total lack of responsibility,” a user wrote.
Record Rainfall in May
The storm on Sunday was one of the most intense May showers the city has experienced in decades, according to the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). While the Somasettahalli observatory in Bengaluru North reported 119 mm of rainfall, Bengaluru Urban recorded 132 mm.
