BENGALURU, 23 MARCH

The downpour on Saturday evening – the city’s first this year – has once again exposed Bengaluru’s fragile infrastructure, leaving several parts of the city inundated. The heavy rain, accompanied by gusty winds, led to water logging, tree falls, power outages and an accident that killed two persons, including a three-year-old girl.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru City received 11.8mm of rainfall, while the Kempegowda International Airport Limited (KIAL) station recorded 38.6mm. The downpour is expected to continue for the next few days as pre-monsoon activity intensifies across the state.

The heavy rain also impacted flight operations at KIAL, with several flights bound for Bengaluru being diverted to Chennai due to adverse weather conditions. Airport officials confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation and providing timely updates.

The rain’s aftermath was visible on Sunday morning, with fallen trees obstructing traffic in Koramangala and JC Road. Water logging at Central Silk Board, Kogilu Cross, Ramamurthy Nagar, Kasturi Nagar, KR Puram and Hebbal caused traffic congestion.

Officials at the BBMP said there were reports of 25 whole trees collapsing and 75 cases of branches falling in eight zones.

Yelahanka, which recorded up to 50 mm of rainfall, was the worst hit, with cases of 12 trees and 40 branches falling.

The Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) received more than 78,000 distress calls about power cuts lasting from two to seven hours in areas, such as Hebbal, Basaveshwara Nagar and HSR Layout. Many residents also complained that they could not reach the 1912 helpline.

A three-year-old girl was killed near DJ Halli park when a branch of a tree fell on her head as she was travelling with her father, Shakti Prasad, on a bike around 8.30pm. She was rushed to Bowring Hospital but died on the way.