Bengaluru witnessed widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions on Monday, May 19, following a night of moderate to heavy rainfall. Several areas across the city, including Sri Sai Layout in Horamavu and Rainbow Drive Layout (RBD), reported severe flooding, with residents struggling to clear water from their homes.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru city recorded 105.5 mm of rainfall by 8:30 am on Monday. The HAL Airport and Kempegowda International Airport also saw significant rainfall, measuring 78.3 mm and 105.5 mm respectively.
Data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) showed high rainfall across various city locations between May 18 and 19. Kengeri received 132 mm, KSNDMC GEO Campus recorded 125.8 mm, Somashettihalli 119.5 mm, Madanayakanahalli 116.5 mm, and Yelahanka Chowdeshwari 103.5 mm.
The downpour led to water stagnation on key roads, causing heavy traffic snarls across major junctions including Koramangala, Indiranagar, Silk Board, and the Electronics City Flyover. Motorists experienced long delays, and many areas also suffered power outages due to uprooted electric poles and damaged cables.
In response, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) deployed emergency teams to pump out water from flooded areas. BBMP Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, on May 18, issued directives to address the crisis, emphasizing both immediate relief and long-term drainage solutions for flood-prone zones such as Sri Sai Layout.
The South Division Traffic Police have also implemented a special traffic management plan, deploying pumps and additional personnel to redirect vehicles and manage the traffic flow in inundated zones.
The IMD has forecast continued rainfall and thundershowers for Bengaluru until May 21 and issued a yellow alert for the city. Authorities remain on high alert as more showers are expected over the coming days.