Bengaluru Rain: Heavy rain leads to waterlogging on roads, several flights diverted

At least 20 flights were delayed and several others diverted after the storm hit parts of Bengaluru. Heavy rains that lashed the city for the past two days have disrupted normal life and led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas and roads.

More than two dozen flights bound for Bengaluru airport were delayed on Monday night as the city, especially its northern parts, witnessed heavy rain and thunderstorm. An Air India flight from Delhi and four Indigo flights have been diverted to Chennai, Hindustan Times reports citing airport sources.

Schools are closed

Due to the rain, Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner Jagadish G has ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centers on Monday. This is the second time in a week that schools have been closed due to rain in Bengaluru.

This decision was taken as a measure to ensure the safety of students and staff in this ongoing climate.

All other courses of higher education degree, diploma, engineering, and ITI institutes were given holidays, as per the official order. College managements have been asked to check the condition of their buildings and avoid using those that are weak or dilapidated.

The strong standing water at important intersections of the city like Silk Board, makes it almost impossible for commuters to move from one place to another.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for both Bengaluru Urban and Rural on Monday. In the report, it said, “Moderate to heavy rain/thunderstorm accompanied by lightning is likely to occur at isolated places over Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural districts.

A hard hitting Yelahanka

Heavy rains lashed parts of the city like Yelahanka and other areas like Sahakar Nagar on Monday night. Social media was full of videos and posts of flooded roads and underground. The underpass at Sahakar Nagar was flooded, resulting in many vehicles being submerged in water.

The city’s civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), meanwhile, issued an advisory urging people to “stay indoors, close windows and doors and avoid walking if possible”.

Meteorologist Pradeep, who keeps a tab on the rain in Bengaluru, via @Bengalururain, has noted that such early morning thunderstorms in October are rare. “Some parts of West Bengaluru received 60mm of rain. However, it seems to be decreasing a bit,” he wrote on his X page Bengaluru Rain Alert.

(With input from agencies)