Sai Layout Among Worst-Hit Areas; IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Multiple Karnataka Districts
Bengaluru, May 18 — A spell of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms battered Bengaluru on Saturday night, leaving several low-lying areas waterlogged and residents grappling with damaged property and power disruptions.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the city received approximately 40 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours. The downpour caused tree branches to crash down in multiple areas and severely impacted localities like Sai Layout, which witnessed intense flooding.
Households in the affected areas saw their belongings soaked and electronic items damaged, with several vehicles partially submerged. Many families were forced to evacuate and take shelter in nearby safer locations.
Residents pointed to clogged drains as the main cause of the flooding, alleging that repeated complaints to civic authorities had gone unheeded.
Yellow Alert Issued for Several Districts
While Bengaluru reeled under the rain's impact, other parts of Karnataka, especially the Malnad region and coastal belts, continued to receive substantial rainfall. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for the districts of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, and Shivamogga.In its Sunday bulletin, the weather office warned of light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, with lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 km/h at isolated places within the next three hours.
Temporary power outages, traffic delays, and possible uprooting of weak trees are expected in these regions. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, secure doors and windows, and avoid non-essential travel.
The situation remains under close watch as more rain is expected in the coming days.
