Bengaluru Battles the Storm: City on Edge as IMD Issues Orange Alert After Relentless Rainfall
Bengaluru, May 20, 2025 —
The tech capital of India woke up soaked and stunned today, as torrential overnight rains pummeled Bengaluru with 105.5 mm of rainfall within a single day — the second-highest 24-hour rainfall the city has recorded since 2011. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an urgent orange alert, warning residents and authorities of the likelihood of continued heavy rain, potential flooding, and localized disasters in low-lying areas.
The downpour, which began late Sunday night and persisted into Monday morning, caused chaos across several neighborhoods, particularly in East and South Bengaluru. Main arterial roads were submerged, tech park commutes disrupted, and residents were left stranded as knee-deep water gushed into homes, basements, and shops.
The Anatomy of the Rain Event
According to C.S. Patil, Director of IMD Bengaluru, the rain system was driven by a combination of a low-pressure trough over the Bay of Bengal and intensified moisture-laden winds from the southwest. “This is an early monsoon-like event," Patil explained. “While not technically part of the monsoon, it carries similar dynamics, and it’s uncommon in May to see this level of impact in the city.”
While May is typically a pre-monsoon month for Bengaluru, this year has already shown extreme variability, with temperatures spiking above 36°C just days ago. The sudden switch in climate and atmospheric pressure resulted in an explosive cloudburst late Sunday.
Flooded Streets, Traffic Chaos, and Emergency Measures
As early as 6 a.m., residents reported water entering ground floor apartments in Koramangala, Indiranagar, HSR Layout, and parts of Whitefield. Motorists waded through flooded intersections, while traffic came to a near standstill along the Outer Ring Road — home to some of the city’s largest IT campuses.
The BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) deployed emergency response teams across 28 flood-prone zones, pumping out water and clearing clogged storm drains. Officials confirmed that over 350 complaints related to waterlogging and tree falls were recorded by Monday noon.
Schools and colleges were instructed to shut down for the day, and several private companies issued advisories encouraging remote work until further notice. BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) services faced major delays, with buses rerouted due to inundated roads.
Air Travel Hit, Power Supply Disrupted
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport experienced flight delays and diversions during the early morning hours. Several flights were held in air due to low visibility and heavy wind shears. Meanwhile, parts of North Bengaluru, including Yelahanka and Hebbal, faced temporary power outages, as BESCOM officials carried out preemptive shutdowns to avoid electrocution risks.
A City Vulnerable by Design
Despite being touted as India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru’s urban planning continues to come under scrutiny, especially during extreme weather. The city’s antiquated drainage systems, unauthorized constructions on lake beds, and rapid urban expansion have made it increasingly vulnerable to even moderate rains — let alone storms of this magnitude.
“The rain is only half the problem,” said Dr. Ayesha Roy, an environmental urban planner. “The other half is our failure to protect Bengaluru’s natural stormwater ecosystem — the lakes, the wetlands, and the rajakaluves. We’ve turned water pathways into real estate.”
Looking Ahead: What the IMD Predicts
The IMD has forecast continued showers and thunderstorms for the next 48 hours, with isolated regions expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. The orange alert, which indicates the need for emergency preparedness, will remain in place until Wednesday, May 22.
Residents have been advised to:
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Avoid unnecessary travel
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Stay indoors during lightning periods
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Keep emergency kits ready
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Unplug electrical devices if water levels rise
Helplines have been activated across BBMP zones, and temporary shelters are being prepared for those displaced from flooded homes.
Citizens React: Frustration and Resilience
Social media flooded with images of cars submerged on 100 Feet Road, delivery boys navigating torrents on scooters, and children paddling in front yards. While many vented their frustration at the city’s lack of preparedness, others stepped in to help — offering shelter, food, and rides to stranded commuters.
“I’ve lived here for 12 years, but this is the first time the water reached my second step,” said Karthik Ramesh, a resident of BTM Layout. “I’m grateful my neighbors helped lift the inverter and moved our bikes to higher ground.”
Political Heat Amid the Rain
The sudden flooding also triggered a political blame game. Opposition parties slammed the ruling state government for not investing adequately in infrastructure upgrades, while the BBMP defended its ongoing desilting and anti-encroachment drives. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to visit affected areas later today and announce compensation for those impacted.
A Wake-Up Call for a City on the Edge
Monday’s storm wasn’t just a weather event — it was a reminder of how urban India’s premier cities are ill-prepared for the consequences of climate change. With each monsoon, Bengaluru inches closer to the brink of disaster unless resilient infrastructure, strict urban planning laws, and real-time warning systems are prioritized.
As the clouds continue to hover over the city, the people of Bengaluru wait — not just for the rain to stop, but for change that’s long overdue.
For Live Updates: Follow the Bengaluru Weather Response Tracker on the BBMP and IMD official websites. Stay connected to local helplines and traffic updates for real-time assistance.