Heavy rainfall triggered widespread waterlogging and flash floods across multiple parts of the city, causing severe disruption to traffic and daily life. Streets and low-lying areas were inundated, leaving vehicles stranded and bringing traffic to a near standstill in many key locations.


The incident occurred in Bengaluru, Karnataka, southern India, on May 17.

Visuals from the ground captured the dramatic impact of the overnight downpour, as several stretches of road resembled turbulent streams, with water levels rising up to the knees in multiple localities. Vehicles were seen moving at a snail's pace, with auto-rickshaw tyres half-submerged and two-wheeler riders forced to dismount and walk their bikes through the waterlogged streets. In one particularly striking scene, a man was spotted mopping rainwater out of his shop compound in a desperate attempt to prevent it from flooding. The extent of flooding made roads appear more like rivers, once again exposing the city's fragile drainage infrastructure.

According to reports, on Saturday evening, Bengaluru experienced intense rainfall at around 5:30 pm, which lasted for several hours, leading to severe waterlogging and flash floods in multiple areas across the city. The sudden downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, causing streets, low-lying localities, and major roads to get inundated with water, disrupting traffic and daily activities.

Commuters faced major difficulties as many cars were unable to move through the flooded streets, resulting in heavy traffic jams across key junctions and arterial roads. Several areas experienced gridlock, with vehicles stuck for hours, adding to the woes of residents trying to return home.

Residents in several neighborhoods reported knee-deep water, with some areas facing complete road blockages. Several underpasses and bus stops were submerged, further affecting public transportation services and leading to cancellations and delays.

Similarly, heavy overnight rainfall brought several parts of the city to a standstill, intensifying the woes of residents already grappling with waterlogging and traffic snarls from the previous day. The intense downpour on Sunday night lasted over six hours, resulting in widespread flooding and severe disruptions across numerous localities on Monday.

According to the Karnataka State Disaster Monitoring Cell, some areas recorded exceptionally high rainfall, with Kengeri receiving 132 mm and Vaderahalli in North Bengaluru close behind at 131.5 mm. The city’s average rainfall over 24 hours was recorded at 105.5 mm as of Monday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow alert’ for continued moderate rainfall in the city until Friday, warning residents and authorities to remain vigilant.

Traffic across the city faced massive disruption, especially in northern areas such as New Bel Road, Nagawara, Saraipalya, Allalasandra, Horamavu, Byrathi, Kothanur Narayanapura, and Yelahanka Circle, where the city police issued traffic advisories due to waterlogged roads. Several major thoroughfares, including Silk Board junction, Bommanahalli, and HRBR Layout near Manyata Tech Park, experienced severe flooding, forcing vehicles to crawl or come to a complete halt. Manyata Tech Park itself resembled a shallow lake, with over two feet of standing water reported at multiple entry points.

Low-lying areas like Vidyaranyapura Sai Layout in Horamavu were among the worst affected, where water levels rose beyond knee height. Rescue teams had to deploy boats on Monday morning to reach and assist stranded residents, highlighting the recurring failures in the city’s stormwater drainage infrastructure. Despite numerous protests and demands for better drainage systems and road improvements, these localities continue to suffer heavy flooding with every intense rainfall.

The Panathur RUB and other notorious low-lying stretches were once again inundated, aggravating the city’s traffic chaos. The Outer Ring Road, a vital artery for commuters, witnessed severe congestion as the floodwaters made travel nearly impossible in several sections. Over 19 trees were uprooted during the storms, causing further blockages and damage to properties.

Social media platforms were flooded with residents’ complaints about the city’s poor drainage system and the perceived apathy of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the state government in addressing these chronic issues. The persistent flooding amid heavy rains continues to serve as a stark reminder of Bengaluru’s ongoing struggle with urban planning and infrastructure management in the face of extreme weather events. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution and stay updated on weather advisories as the yellow alert remains in effect through the week.