Thunderstorm interrupts normal life in Bengaluru

A thunderstorm that rocked Bengaluru late on Wednesday interrupted normal life by causing water logging, tree falls, vehicle damage, and power outages in several areas of the city. The city’s eastern and central regions faced the most damage.

Bengaluru set new rain records this year, making it the wettest year ever. Compared to 1,696 mm in 2017, the city has received 1706 mm of rain since the monsoon began. On Wednesday, between 8:30 and 11:30 p.m., Bengaluru received 54.5 mm of rain. From October 1 until Wednesday, Bengaluru has experienced twice as much rain as usual (305.5mm).

Waterlogging in low-lying regions and underpasses caused traffic bottlenecks, while the Sheshadripuram Metro’s retaining wall fell, damaging cars and bikes.

Prashant, a resident, told the Hindustan Times that his car was damaged due to the wall collapse. “I managed to get out of the car. I thought it was just my car that was damaged. But when I got out, I saw that around six cars and a two-wheeler were damaged.”

Tushar Girinath, the head of Bengaluru’s municipal body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, said most problems were reported from Bommanahalli, HSR Layout, and Shivajinagar. “Our officers are working in these areas.”

All along the Outer Ring Road, Koramangala, Indiranagar, Double Road, portions of Seshadripuram, and some areas close to K R Puram reported flooding. Social media users shared videos of motorcycles being washed away in Shivajinagar.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that this week will see a couple more thundershower spells. After three days of rain last month, the city, especially the districts where start-ups and large international IT corporations have their offices, was flooded.