Bengaluru (Karnataka), May 20: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of worsening weather conditions off the Karnataka coast, forecasting the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the east-central Arabian Sea by May 21, which is expected to develop into a low-pressure area a day later. The system may intensify and move northward, raising concerns about heavy rainfall and strong winds across Karnataka.
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Bengaluru, has issued red and orange alerts for various parts of the state:
- Coastal Karnataka: Extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds until May 21, with continued heavy to very heavy rainfall expected until May 26.
- South Interior Karnataka: Similar weather patterns, with extremely heavy rainfall until May 21 and sustained downpours through the week.
- North Interior Karnataka: Very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning until May 21, followed by heavy rainfall through May 26.
Bengaluru Bears the Brunt
The capital city of Bengaluru is already reeling under the impact of intense rainfall. The past few days have seen three fatalities linked to the adverse weather.
Among the deceased are:
- Manmohan Kamath (63), a resident of Madhuvan Apartments in NS Palya, who was electrocuted while operating a water pump to drain the flooded basement.
- Dinesh (12), son of a Nepalese national, also died due to electrocution in the same area.
- Another person was previously reported dead after a wall collapse.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East Bengaluru) Sarah Fathima confirmed the electrocution incidents and urged the public to exercise caution during waterlogging situations.
Government Response
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are scheduled to inspect flood-affected areas across Bengaluru on May 21.
Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the newly-formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), which replaces the BBMP, is actively working to manage waterlogging and infrastructure failures caused by the relentless rainfall.
The IMD and state authorities continue to urge residents, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to remain alert and follow official advisories closely.