BENGALURU: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall for Bengaluru and several districts in Karnataka over the next two days due to the residual impact of Cyclone Fengal, which has weakened into a low-pressure area over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
IMD Bengaluru division director, C.S. Patil, stated, “Moderate rain is expected on Tuesday, with rainfall likely to decrease by Wednesday.” A yellow alert has been issued for Bengaluru, Hassan, Mandya, and Ramanagara districts.
Traffic Chaos and Waterlogging
Since Sunday evening, the continuous downpour has severely impacted Bengaluru, causing major traffic jams across key routes, including Mysuru Road, Tumakuru Road, and NICE Road. One of the most affected areas was the airport road flyover near Sahakar Nagar, where commuters were stranded for hours. The Bengaluru City Traffic Police advised motorists to drive cautiously due to slow-moving traffic.
Waterlogging was reported in multiple areas such as Panathur underbridge, Outer Ring Road, Bannerghatta Road, and Kanakapura Road, with many residents struggling to navigate flooded streets. Businesses and schools have also been affected.
BBMP’s Emergency Response
Tushar Girinath, chief commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), said, “We have deployed 28 tree-cutting teams to address fallen trees and branches. Engineers are on alert in low-lying areas, and flood mitigation teams are ready for emergencies.” On Monday, a seven-decade-old house in Chamrajpet collapsed due to the incessant rain, though the elderly couple inside managed to escape unharmed.
Districts Under Orange Alert
Several districts, including Udupi, Chikmagaluru, and Chikkaballapura, are under an orange alert, with rainfall ranging from 11 to 20 cm expected in the next 24 hours. Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Shivamogga, and Chamarajanagar are also forecasted to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The IMD has issued a warning for squally weather along the south Karnataka coast, with wind speeds of 35-45 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h, between December 2 and 3. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea.
School and College Closures
Several districts have declared school and college holidays due to the adverse weather:
- Kodagu: All educational institutions will remain closed on December 3 due to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
- Dakshina Kannada: Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan declared a holiday for all educational institutions on December 3.
- Kolar: Schools and colleges will be closed, with Deputy Commissioner Akram Pasha stating the lost day will be compensated later.
- Mysuru: A holiday has been declared for anganwadis, schools, and pre-university colleges. Degree colleges will remain open for exams.
- Udupi: District Magistrate Vidyakumari ordered school and college closures due to the orange alert and expected strong winds.
As the remnants of Cyclone Fengal continue to affect Karnataka, residents are urged to stay vigilant, and authorities are working to minimize the impact of the ongoing heavy rains.
