Bengaluru Submerged: Heavy Rains Trigger Severe Flooding

Bengaluru Submerged: Heavy Rains Trigger Severe Flooding

Unprecedented Downpour

Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, was inundated by relentless rainfall from Sunday night into Monday, May 19, 2025, causing widespread flooding. The city recorded an average of 105.5 mm of rainfall over six hours, marking the heaviest deluge of the year.

Low-Lying Areas Inundated

Low-lying areas like Horamavu’s Sai Layout and Koramangala transformed into virtual lakes, with water levels reaching 4-5 feet in some spots. Social media platforms are abuzz with videos showcasing the city’s waterlogged streets and disrupted daily life.

Key Junctions Paralyzed

Major junctions, including Silk Board, HRBR Layout, and Bommanahalli, were severely flooded, causing significant traffic congestion. Commuters faced prolonged delays, prompting traffic police to issue advisories for affected areas.

Rainfall Data Insights

Kengeri recorded the highest rainfall at 132 mm, followed by Vaderahalli in Bengaluru North at 131.5 mm, according to the Karnataka State Disaster Monitoring Centre. Many areas across the city surpassed 100 mm of rainfall overnight, exacerbating the flooding crisis.

Weather Forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, forecasting heavy rainfall across Bengaluru until Thursday, May 22, 2025. A cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is cited as a primary cause of the intense weather conditions.

Infrastructure Challenges

Narrow drainage systems and encroachments on stormwater channels have worsened the flooding, particularly in low-lying and upscale areas. The incident has sparked a political debate, with opposition parties criticizing the state government’s preparedness.

Response and Mitigation

Local authorities are deploying pumps to drain waterlogged areas, while elected officials, including MLAs, are inspecting affected zones. Efforts are underway to restore normalcy, though challenges persist in heavily inundated neighborhoods.

Impact on Residents

The flooding has disrupted daily life, with homes and tech parks submerged, forcing many to opt for work-from-home arrangements. Residents in areas like Manyata Tech Park and Shantinagar reported severe inconvenience due to waterlogged roads.

Areas with Significant Rainfall

The following table highlights key areas and their recorded rainfall on May 19, 2025:

Call for Action

The flooding underscores the urgent need for improved urban planning and drainage infrastructure in Bengaluru. Authorities are urged to address systemic issues to prevent future disruptions during monsoon seasons.