Bengaluru heavy rainfall: Record 105.5 mm rainfall triggers flooding, IMD issues alert till May 25

Bengaluru is witnessing one of its most intense pre-monsoon weather events. Over the past few days, relentless rain has battered the city, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic chaos, and tragic casualties. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall through the week, with a red alert briefly in place during the peak of the storm.

In a 24-hour period ending May 19, the city recorded 105.5 mm of rainfall, marking the highest single-day May rainfall in two years. This surge in precipitation raises the question of whether the city might soon break its 115-year-old rainfall record for May. The weather anomaly is attributed to upper air cyclonic circulation over the region, a common but intensifying phenomenon as climate patterns shift.


Low-lying areas across the city such as Mahadevapura, BTM Layout, and parts of East Bengaluru were the worst hit. Basements flooded, streets became streams, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had to rescue a number of residents. People were observed wading through waist-deep water at Sai Layout.

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The technology and commercial hubs of the city are also affected. The Electronics City Motorway, Koramangala, and the HSR Layout were all severely waterlogged, making it challenging to enter and exit crucial IT corridors. Many companies returned to remote work when offices reported low attendance to ensure worker safety.

In addition to infrastructure strain and personal tragedy, the Central Crime Branch office experienced major document loss from floods, raising concerns about record protection in government offices during extreme weather.

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Since the IMD anticipates more rain until at least May 25, it urges residents to exercise caution, especially in areas that are susceptible to floods. While attempting to clear clogged drains and responding to emergencies, civic organisations remain alert.

This flood exposed Bengaluru's urban infrastructure's shortcomings, especially its drainage systems, and sparked conversations on climate resilience and sustainable urban planning. As weather extremes become more frequent, experts contend that quick policy reforms are urgently needed to prepare India's metropolitan areas for future shocks.