Bengaluru: Relief from Heat Brings Rain Chaos

Respite from Heat Turns Into Traffic Turmoil

On Saturday evening, Bengaluru found relief from the scorching summer heat as intense thunderstorms swept across the city. However, the rain wreaked havoc on the streets, causing traffic disruptions and leading to the diversion of 20 flights at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), including two international ones to Tamil Nadu.

Rain Brings Mixed Emotions to Residents

• Residents of Yelahanka Old Town, Sahakarnagar, Rajanukunte, Thanisandra, Jakkur, and Hebbal experienced a mix of joy and misery as the rain poured down.
• While many rejoiced in the downpour, over 10 houses in Yelahanka Old Town were flooded, leaving people to wade through knee-deep water to clean up the mess.
• Locals vented their frustration with the clogged stormwater drains and the lack of action from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Rainfall Varied Across the City

Rainfall data revealed significant variations across Bengaluru, with northern areas experiencing the heaviest downpour and parts of west and south Bengaluru seeing moderate rain, resulting in localized flooding. Hagadur and Vidyaranyapura received the highest rainfall, at 31mm each.

Thunderstorms Divert Flights

The impact of the thunderstorms extended to air travel, with KIA authorities having to divert 20 flights to Chennai and Coimbatore. Airlines issued advisories urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Civic Authorities Face Social Media Backlash

Bengalureans took to social media to express their anger at the city’s infrastructure, with some mocking the civic authorities and others sharing images of what they called the first rainbow of the year.