Bengaluru experienced significant disruptions on the morning of October21 due to heavy rainfall, leading to the closure of schools for the day. The downpour created challenges for office workers, commuters, and students.
In response to the extreme weather and subsequent waterlogging, the Bengaluru Urban District Administration declared a holiday for schoolchildren and kindergartens throughout the city. This closure affected all Anganwadi centers as well as private and aided primary and high schools in the Bengaluru City District.
The city’s traffic police issued warnings about waterlogging at Vaddarapalya Junction and advised of slow vehicle movement toward Bengaluru International Airport. Residents were urged to use the emergency helpline if necessary.
The rainfall overwhelmed many key roads in the Central Business District early in the morning, causing water levels on Freedom Park Road to rise between two to three feet, leading to stalled autos and two-wheelers. Many riders found themselves caught in traffic for hours due to the flooding.
Traffic police also suggested alternate routes, as waterlogging was reported at Panattur Railway Underbridge. The heavy rains contributed to slow-moving traffic in Varthur and Gunjur, which are located near the tech corridor. Underpasses in various areas, including Madivala and K.R. Circle, were flooded, resulting in considerable traffic delays during peak commuting hours.
Waterlogging was reported at several junctions, including Khodays Junction and the Winds Manor Railway Underbridge. R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, along with former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan, visited affected areas to speak with residents at Silk Board Junction. The district had also declared holidays for schools and colleges the previous week due to a similar downpour.