Hundreds left homeless after heavy rains lash Bengaluru

300 HOUSES FLOODED, AROUND 500 VEHICLES WASHED AWAY

Three hours of heavy rains measuring more than 75mm across Bengaluru on Friday night saw retaining walls of storm water drains getting breached or partly collapsing at many places, flooding low- lying areas and throwing normal life out of gear. A portion of storm water drain collapsed near Dattatreya Layout in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, resulting inwater entering residential areas.

At least 300 houses were flooded, rendering tens of hundreds homeless, while about 500 vehicles, including 100 cars, were washed away, according to local media reports.

As the water mixed with slush, sewage and garbage gushed into homes, residents scrambled for safety.

Harrowing accounts

Videos showed a car floating in Gurudutta Layout near Ho sake re hall i where a resident, Govindamma, was trapped with his family after rainwater entered his house. Govindamma, who was with his wife and children, said he was rescued by neighbours.

Another resident, Murugan said, all vehicles outside his home were submerged. “We have been living here for many years. This is the first time we have seen rainwater entering homes,” he said. Other affected areas include Koramangala, BTM Layout, Jayanagara, RR Nagar, Basavangudi, Nagarabhavi, Kengeri and Malleshwaram.

Vehicular movement was also badly affected resulting in traffic snarls in key junctions across the Central Business district.

Compensation announced

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa yesterday announced a compensation of Rs25,000 for every family affected by the floods.

The decision was taken after Yediyurappa held an emergency meeting with Revenue Minister R Ashoka, and officials of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike— the administrative body responsible for civic amenities and some infrastructural assets of Greater Bengaluru. Meanwhile the India Meteorological Department has issued yellow alert for Bengaluru indicating anywhere between 64mm and 115mm rain over the next two days.

Favourable weather conditions due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal and surface winds are continuing the spell of southwest monsoon rains over the state ( Karnataka) during this week too.”

CS Patil | India Meteorological Department, Bengaluru

AFP At least 15 localities received over 50mm of rain. A yellow alert has been issued for the city indicating heavy showers.

PTI Aworker carrying a sackwades through thewaterlogged basement of a marriage hall following heavy rain in Bengaluru.

AFP Residents salvage their belongings after flash floods due to a breach in a sewer canal following heavy rains in Bengaluru.