Bengaluru is reeling under the impact of continuous heavy rainfall that has left five people dead and over 500 homes submerged. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for the next three days, the city is bracing for further downpours. The intense pre-monsoon showers have caused widespread flooding, disrupted transport, and overwhelmed civic infrastructure, triggering city-wide concern.
Red Alert Issued As Rains Batter Bengaluru
Under Congress rule, Bengaluru has turned into a disaster zone — 130mm rain in just 12 hours has exposed the utter failure of city planning.
Streets submerged, over 500 homes affected, traffic in shambles, widespread power cuts, and 3 precious lives lost.
This is what years of… pic.twitter.com/a3JILDrk1k
— Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (@SVishnuReddy) May 20, 2025
The IMD has placed Bengaluru under a red alert until May 25 due to ongoing heavy rainfall. According to the Hindustan Times, the warning follows two days of unrelenting rain, which flooded roads, homes, and underpasses across multiple zones. Several low-lying areas, including HSR Layout, Koramangala, and parts of Whitefield, faced waterlogging severe enough to cut off access to basic services.
Also Read: Heavy Rainfall Triggers Flooding In Bengaluru, Submerges Roads And Disrupts Traffic Flow
Rainfall figures reached a staggering 105.5 mm, marking the city’s heaviest May showers in the last two years, as reported by Economic Times. The IMD has attributed the rainfall to a developing cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea, which is expected to intensify in the coming days.
Fatalities And Property Damage Reported
Five people lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Karnataka, with a significant number reported from Bengaluru. As reported by Times of India, causes included electrocution, wall collapses, and incidents involving falling trees. Emergency teams and civic workers are currently working round-the-clock to manage rescue operations and restore basic services.
Also Read: Bengaluru: Torrential Rains Cause Traffic, Waterlogging In Many Areas; IMD Predicts Rainy Week Ahead
Floodwaters have entered over 500 homes across various parts of the city. Power outages and mobile network disruptions have also been reported in flood-hit neighbourhoods. Many residents have had to vacate their homes temporarily due to the water entering ground-floor flats.
Infrastructure Under Pressure Due To Bengaluru Rainfall
The rains exposed serious gaps in Bengaluru’s stormwater management. Several arterial roads turned into rivers, halting vehicular movement and delaying public transport services. Traffic came to a standstill on Outer Ring Road and Bellandur, while tech parks and office complexes recorded low footfall due to accessibility issues.
Reports suggest that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has intensified desilting and drainage clearing operations across the city, deploying additional teams to critical areas. However, the sheer volume of rainfall has overwhelmed these efforts.
Precautionary Measures In Place
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas prone to flooding. The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) is closely monitoring the situation and has advised people to remain indoors during peak rainfall hours. Schools in affected zones may face temporary closures depending on further weather developments.
Also Read: Namma Metro Unveils First Look Of Driverless Trains In Bengaluru For Yellow Line
With a red alert in effect and more rain expected, Bengaluru remains on high alert. The coming days will test the city’s ability to withstand climate-related urban challenges, underlining the urgent need for long-term infrastructure upgrades and flood preparedness.
Cover Image Courtesy: @SVishnuReddy/X