Overnight Rains Batter Bengaluru: Waterlogging, Traffic Chaos Hit City; Yellow Alert Issued

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 16:43 IST

Several low-lying areas were waterlogged, and major roads witnessed long traffic jams as vehicles struggled to navigate flooded streets

Commuters on their way during rainfall, in Bengaluru, Thursday, Sept 18. (PTI photo)

Heavy overnight rains lashed Bengaluru, bringing large parts of the city to a near standstill on Friday. Several low-lying areas were waterlogged, and major roads witnessed long traffic jams as vehicles struggled to navigate flooded streets.

The downpour, which began late Thursday night, continued intermittently through Friday morning.

Bengaluru recorded 65.5 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours till 5.30 am, with the city’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS) reporting 66 mm. Nearby areas like Doddaballapura saw 60 mm, while Hessarghatta in Bengaluru Rural reported 43 mm.

Residents turned to social media to highlight the city’s poor drainage and infrastructure. Videos shared on X showed cars and bikes submerged or stuck in knee-deep water.

In one widely shared clip, a flyover appeared completely waterlogged. “Bengaluru’s flyover turned into a ‘swimming pool’ after rain. How poor is the engineering and drainage planning that even flyovers are now getting flooded?” one user posted.

Another added, “Bannerugatta Road, BTM Layout. This area got just 30 to 40 mm of rain, imagine what it would be like with 100 to 150 mm. One of the worst roads in South Bengaluru.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Bengaluru, warning of light to moderate rain or thundershowers with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) at isolated places.

The alert also extends to Vijayapura, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Tumakuru, Kolar, and Chikkaballapura.

Rainfall has been widespread across Karnataka. As per the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), Kanagamakalapalli in Chikkaballapura recorded the highest rainfall at 130 mm, followed by Tirumani and Beechaganahalli at 114 mm each. Bidar’s Bhandarkumtha saw 112 mm, while Mangaluru recorded 20.7 mm. The Gulbarga Observatory reported dry thunder.

The IMD has advised the public to stay indoors, avoid sheltering under trees, and unplug electrical devices during thunderstorms.

Continuous rain has also worsened road conditions, with new potholes adding to the woes of commuters, especially two-wheeler riders.

“Take safe shelters; do not take shelter under trees. Unplug electrical and electronic appliances immediately. Get out of water bodies and stay away from objects that conduct electricity. Drive carefully if you are travelling,” the IMD advisory said.

(With inputs from PTI)

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