Storms Paralyze Bengaluru IT Hub Amid Widespread Waterlogging and Traffic Snarls

Moderate to intense storms hit both rural and urban Bengaluru, leading to waterlogging and traffic jams. The India Meteorological Department reported similar weather in other Karnataka districts, prompting widespread complaints on social media. Experts criticized the city's unpreparedness, while IMD forecasted more rain and issued warnings for coastal areas.

Moderate to intense storms lashed parts of rural and urban Bengaluru on Monday evening, bringing India's IT hub to a standstill due to widespread waterlogging and resulting traffic snarls. Vexed commuters took to social media to vent their frustrations.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bengaluru, apart from the IT hub, Chikkaballapura, Hassan, Kolar, Mandya, and Ramanagara districts also experienced light thunderstorms with rain.

Bengalureans stuck in traffic jams remarked on social media platforms about how a couple of hours of rain could bring the city to a halt. Users, including @aatreyi_bose, posted videos and updates from various regions across Karnataka.

Traffic police utilized social media platforms to warn citizens about waterlogged areas. For example, the R T Nagar Traffic BTP handle on X warned of waterlogging at Jayamahal Road, near White Petals back gate, towards Mekhri Circle, urging people to avoid the route if possible.

Seasoned weather watchers expressed disappointment that despite a nearly two-month break in thunderstorms, the civic body had not cleared drains or repaired roads.

According to the Karnataka Weather X handle, thunderstorms also struck parts of Kodagu district, Belagavi district, Lakshmeshwara in Gadag, Shiggaon in Haveri, and Dharwad city.

The IMD also forecasted isolated heavy rain on August 6 in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts, with light to moderate rain likely in interior Karnataka. A high wave alert was issued for the coast of Uttara Kannada, advising caution for fishing and nearshore activities.