Bengaluru Rain Update: 5 Dead as Torrential Rains Paralyze City, IMD Issues Orange Alert

Bengaluru Rain Update: Heavy rains continue to disrupt life in Bengaluru with 5 reported deaths, waterlogging, traffic jams, and rescue operations. IMD issues orange alert for more rainfall.

Bengaluru, May 20, 2025 — Relentless rainfall for over 36 hours has brought Bengaluru to its knees, claiming five lives, submerging streets, and forcing hundreds to evacuate as water levels rose dangerously high across several low-lying areas. With 30 mm rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours and a staggering 105 mm on Sunday night, the city has been thrown into chaos.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for Bengaluru, warning of continued heavy downpour with rainfall between 8 to 10 cm expected. Many parts of Karnataka, especially the southern, coastal, and Malnad regions, are also experiencing intense weather conditions.

Sai Layout Turns Into an Island

In Sai Layout, located in East Bengaluru, residents woke up to find their homes half-submerged. Ground floors were completely flooded, forcing over 150 people to be rescued by emergency teams and shifted to safer shelters.

Despite the efforts of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), many residents expressed frustration over what they called “negligence by civic authorities.”

“No one came until we were waist-deep in water. It’s like we don’t exist for them,” said Pratima, a resident of Sai Layout.

Tragedy Strikes: Electrocution Claims Two Lives

Among the most heart-wrenching incidents, a 63-year-old man and a 12-year-old boy lost their lives due to electrocution while attempting to drain water out of their flooded apartment in NS Palya near BTM 2nd Stage.

According to Mico Layout police, Manmohan Kamath, a resident of Madhuvan Apartment, tried to use a pump to remove water from his home when a short circuit led to his electrocution. Young Dinesh, son of a Nepalese worker, was standing nearby and also got electrocuted. Both were declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs) have been registered.

Orphanage Submerged in Hennur, Rescued by Fire and Rescue Teams

In another distressing incident, an orphanage in Hennur was inundated by rainwater, putting the lives of children at risk. The Fire and Rescue Department, along with the Disaster Response Force, rescued all inmates and moved them to safer locations.

Bengaluru Chokes: Knee-Deep Water, Potholes, and Endless Traffic

Across the city, visuals of people wading through knee-deep water became a common sight, especially near Manyata Tech Park, Silk Board Junction, and Outer Ring Road.

Commuters faced massive traffic snarls, while the city’s battered roads revealed new potholes, posing further risk to motorists.

Other Rain-Related Deaths Across Karnataka

Three additional deaths were reported elsewhere in Karnataka. Sasikala (35) was killed when a compound wall collapsed on her in Mahadevapura while she was sweeping. In separate incidents, two people were struck dead by lightning in Raichur and Karwar districts.

IMD Issues Statewide Alerts, Urges People to Stay Indoors

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Bengaluru and yellow alerts across multiple districts including Bagalkot, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Belgaum, Chikkaballapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Kolar, Koppal, and Vijayanagara.

The forecast includes light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds, particularly over the next 24 hours.

IMD Bengaluru Centre Director N Puviarasu said the intensity of rain may seem low by rural standards, but the urban concrete landscape prevents water drainage, making even 8–10 cm of rain hazardous for Bengaluru.

“We appeal to citizens to stay indoors, avoid sheltering under trees, unplug electrical appliances, and stay away from water bodies during lightning activity,” the IMD bulletin stated.

As Bengaluru continues to grapple with infrastructure woes, poor urban planning, and climate extremities, this rain fury has once again exposed the city’s vulnerabilities. With more rain on the horizon, residents are advised to remain cautious and follow weather advisories closely.