Bengaluru Struggles as Heavy Rains Trigger Severe Flooding

Severe rainfall in Bengaluru has resulted in significant flooding, causing fatalities and prompting calls for governmental accountability as the city braces for more storms.

Bengaluru, often referred to as India's Silicon Valley, is grappling with severe flooding following unusually heavy rains that began on Sunday. Many areas of the city recorded over 100 mm (approximately 4 inches) of rain on Monday, marking an unprecedented occurrence since 2011. Authorities are now on high alert for additional rainfall due to cyclonic activity in the Andaman Sea.

Tragically, the flooding has led to the deaths of three individuals, including a 12-year-old boy, due to rain-related incidents. The city's technology companies, which contribute significantly to the economy, have advised employees to work from home as transportation has been disrupted by waterlogged roads.

The rain-induced flooding has wreaked havoc across numerous sectors, leading to property damage, including the collapse of a compound wall at a prominent IT firm that resulted in the death of a 35-year-old employee. Commuters have been captured on video navigating knee-deep water, with private vehicles submerged in the streets. In some regions, heavy rain has caused water to breach residential homes.

In response, the city corporation is focusing efforts on 210 identified flood-prone areas, working to alleviate the situation. Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, has reassured residents that there is no need for panic; however, this has not quelled the rising frustration on social media regarding the city's deteriorating infrastructure.

Residents like Annu Itty have voiced concerns about Bangalore’s inadequate planning, noting that the newer developments built for the tech sector have become the most vulnerable to flooding. The state government, currently managed by the Congress party, faces criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused them of neglecting the city's needs while demanding immediate financial assistance to address the flooding crisis.

Despite the local government's deflection of blame, arguing these issues are longstanding and have been perpetuated across different administrations, experts cite rapid urbanization and the destruction of natural water bodies as significant contributors to the recurring floods. Ananda Rao, president of the Association for Information Technology, criticized the lack of infrastructural returns on tax investments and urged government action for sustainable improvement, highlighting the discomfort caused to businesses by the floods.