Bengaluru rains bring life to a standstill; relief likely after October 18
Oct 16, 2024, 12:24 IST
Bengaluru is bracing for more heavy rainfall after reportedly receiving 66.1 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, leaving parts of the city waterlogged and causing traffic snarls. With further heavy rain, thunderstorms, and squalls forecast for Wednesday, disaster response teams have been deployed to address potential emergencies.
Schools in the Bengaluru Urban district remain closed today, and many IT, biotechnology, and private companies have urged employees to work from home due to the ongoing disruptions. The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society emphasised that ensuring the safety of employees is a top priority, citing the risks posed by waterlogged roads and flooding to commuting. Bengaluru Metro services were briefly halted on the purple line on Tuesday due to a fallen tree but have since resumed after quick maintenance efforts.
In preparation for the adverse weather, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced that 60 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Karnataka State Disaster Response Force (KSDRF) have been stationed in Bengaluru. Another 40 personnel are on standby for rapid deployment. Fire and Emergency Services are also on high alert, ready to respond to any emergencies.
Despite the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting very heavy rain and thunderstorms for Bengaluru and surrounding areas until October 18, there may be a slight reprieve. According to Karnataka Weather, a local weather monitoring page, the depression causing the rains is moving northward, reducing the immediate threat of extremely heavy downpours. The city can expect cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate showers over the next few days.
Meanwhile, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has activated 24/7 control rooms in eight zones across the city to address rain-related issues. Residents can also report problems via a dedicated helpline (1533). As the city navigates through these challenging conditions, officials urge residents to stay cautious and informed.
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Schools in the Bengaluru Urban district remain closed today, and many IT, biotechnology, and private companies have urged employees to work from home due to the ongoing disruptions. The Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society emphasised that ensuring the safety of employees is a top priority, citing the risks posed by waterlogged roads and flooding to commuting. Bengaluru Metro services were briefly halted on the purple line on Tuesday due to a fallen tree but have since resumed after quick maintenance efforts.
In preparation for the adverse weather, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced that 60 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Karnataka State Disaster Response Force (KSDRF) have been stationed in Bengaluru. Another 40 personnel are on standby for rapid deployment. Fire and Emergency Services are also on high alert, ready to respond to any emergencies.
Despite the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting very heavy rain and thunderstorms for Bengaluru and surrounding areas until October 18, there may be a slight reprieve. According to Karnataka Weather, a local weather monitoring page, the depression causing the rains is moving northward, reducing the immediate threat of extremely heavy downpours. The city can expect cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate showers over the next few days.
Meanwhile, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has activated 24/7 control rooms in eight zones across the city to address rain-related issues. Residents can also report problems via a dedicated helpline (1533). As the city navigates through these challenging conditions, officials urge residents to stay cautious and informed.