Power cuts, traffic jams, uprooted trees—citizens of Bengaluru have become all too familiar with these scenarios that follow each time the city experiences heavy rains.
This time the heavy rains lashing at the city on Saturday night, not only caused the usual devastations but also cost a man his life.
A 24-year-old man, who worked as a JCB operator, is feared to have drowned after falling into a storm-water drain while overseeing some work on a 'raja kaluve' (main storm-water drain).
The incident took place around 9:30 pm. The man has been identified as Shantakumar, a resident of Mandya, according to News 9.
"The force of the water was very strong. He could not hold on to anything and was washed away. Search operations are being carried out at different points between Basavashwaranagar to Mysore Road," Malleshwaram ACP said.
Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George visited the spot and said that all possible efforts were being undertaken, with the BBMP Commissioner, the Mayor and other senior officials overseeing the efforts.
50 rescue personnel in 6 vehicles have been deployed for the search and rescue operation. The operation is underway in Summanahalli, Chingalli and Bidavi among other areas, the Rajajinagar Fire Station said.
Speaking to the media, a relative of Shantakumar, said, "He was my sister's son, but I thought of him as my own son. He was with me for 15 years. I beg you to please do everything you can and give us his body. I don't want anything else, just please show me his face.”