Vehicles ply on waterlogged road after heavy rain in Bengaluru (PTI)
Over twenty flights bound for the Bengaluru airport were delayed on Monday evening as heavy rain and thunderstorm lashed the city, especially in its northern parts.
At least 20 flights were delayed and several others diverted after heavy rain lashed parts of Bengaluru. Heavy rains that lashed the city for the past two days threw normal life out of gear and led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas and roads.
Over twenty flights bound for the Bengaluru airport were delayed on Monday evening as heavy rain and thunderstorm lashed the city, especially in its northern parts. An Air India flight from Delhi and four Indigo flights were diverted to Chennai. Hindustan Times reported, citing airport sources.
Schools closed
In view of the heavy rain, Bengaluru Urban Deputy Commissioner Jagadish G ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centers on Monday. This is the second time in a week that schools have been closed due to rains in Bengaluru.
The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the ongoing weather conditions.
All other post-graduation courses, diplomas, engineering and ITI institutions have been given vacation, as per the official order. College heads were asked to assess the condition of their buildings and avoid using those that were weak or dilapidated.
Severe water stagnation at key junctions of the city like Silk Board has made it almost impossible for commuters to move from one place to another.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for both Bengaluru urban and rural areas for Monday. A bulletin said, “Moderate to heavy rain/thundershowers accompanied by lightning are likely to occur at isolated places over Bengaluru urban and rural areas.
Yelahanka worst hit
Heavy rains lashed parts of the city like Yelahanka and other areas like Sahakar Nagar on Monday evening. Social networks were flooded with videos and posts of flooded roads and subways. The railway underpass at Sahakar Nagar was flooded, resulting in numerous cars being submerged in water.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), a civic body in the capital, on its part, issued an advisory urging people to “stay indoors, close windows and doors and avoid travel if possible”.
Climate scientist Pradeep, who monitors rains in Bengaluru, via @Bengalururain, noted that such morning thunderstorms in October are rare. “Some parts of West Bengaluru received 60 mm. However, it appears to have eased slightly,” he posted on his Bengaluru Rain Warning X page.
(With information from agencies)
