National desk
16 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Continuous heavy rain in southern Karnataka, including the capital Bengaluru, caused major disruptions today. Waterlogging led to traffic chaos in many areas, while 66.1 mm of rainfall was recorded in Bengaluru over the past 24 hours until 8:30 am. Metro services were affected, and several trains, especially those running between Chennai, Bengaluru, Mysore, and Chamarajanagar, were canceled due to flooding on the tracks between Basin Bridge Junction (Chennai) and Vesarpadi stations.
Waterlogging also caused traffic jams in several parts of Bengaluru, with daily life severely impacted. Schools in Bengaluru urban district remained closed, while many employees in the IT, biotech, and private sectors were allowed to work from home.
Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byar Gowda announced the deployment of 60 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Karnataka State Disaster Management Force (KSDRF) in the city, following the Indian Meteorological Department’s forecast of more heavy rain. Fire and emergency services have been placed on standby.
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka D.K. Shivakumar urged people to remain cautious amid the continuous rain. He assured the public that the government is well-prepared to manage the situation. He said, “Let it rain. A cyclone is approaching, and we will handle the situation. The government and citizens have the strength to overcome any difficulties.”
The state remains on alert as the authorities work to mitigate the impact of the ongoing rains and ensure safety for the public.