Bengaluru Faces Severe Flooding as Heavy Rains Hit 'Silicon Valley' of India

In a devastating turn of events for Bengaluru, the tech hub of India, heavy rains have caused significant flooding, disrupting daily life and leading to tragic fatalities.

 

Bengaluru, widely recognized as India's "Silicon Valley," is grappling with severe flooding following torrential rainfall that started Sunday. Authorities reported over 100mm (4 inches) of rain on Monday, marking a rare occurrence for the city, which is now on high alert for further rainfalls due to cyclonic activity in the Andaman Sea.

The unfortunate consequences of the deluge have already claimed three lives, including that of a 12-year-old boy. As roads became submerged, global tech firms urged employees to work remotely, highlighting the chaos engulfing the city. The heavy rains have resulted in significant waterlogging, leading to traffic jams and damage to property, particularly in major IT sectors where structures such as the compound wall of i-Zed software firm collapsed, resulting in another casualty.

Reports indicate that many commuters are wading through knee-deep water, and several vehicles remain stranded on inundated streets. In some neighborhoods, homes have also been affected by the flooding. In response, city officials identified 210 flood-prone areas and promised dedicated efforts to mitigate the situation. Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, reassured residents, stating that there was no cause for alarm.

The political atmosphere has grown tense, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticizing the Congress-led local government for inadequately addressing the rain-related crisis despite extensive spending on infrastructure. They have requested immediate allocation of 10 billion rupees ($117 million) for relief efforts, while the state government emphasizes that these issues are longstanding and have been neglected for years across various administrations.

Experts attribute the floods to increasing urban construction over lakes and wetlands in Bengaluru, compounded by inadequate planning. Social media platforms have become a hotbed for criticism directed at government officials over the city’s deteriorating infrastructure, as residents express frustration over the ongoing flooding woes.