Journalism of Courage
Sri Sai Layout, a notoriously flood-hit area in Bengaluru, saw severe flooding after a sudden cloudburst left houses half submerged. BBMP officials had to use dinghies and tractor trolleys to lift people from the water-logged houses, many of whom were stuck inside. At least 150 people were rescued, including children and senior citizens. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
Bengaluru’s Silk Board Junction also descended into chaos as heavy overnight rains caused knee-deep waterlogging, halting traffic and stranding commuters. Vehicles were abandoned mid-road. Commuters returning from hospitals and offices found themselves navigating waterlogged streets on foot. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
Bengaluru's leading IT destination, Manyata Tech Park, was almost inaccessible in the morning as more than two feet of water inundated roads and gates of entry. Employees had to walk through water in an attempt to enter office towers. (Express Photo)
Trees were uprooted on main roads, caused damage. In Cubbon Park, several trees collapsed, and BBMP teams sent out JCBs for removal. In Jayanagar, vehicles were trapped beneath fallen branches. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
A 35-year-old woman was killed when a rain-soaked wall fell on her. The wall, weakened by continuous rain, collapsed suddenly, officials said. Emergency responders moved quickly, but the victim could not be rescued. (Express Photo)
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar attracted criticism from Opposition leaders. BJP leaders criticized his leadership, asserting that "crores spent" on development had yielded "zero results." Shivakumar responded by acknowledging that the issues were long-standing and guaranteed long-term answers. He also paid visits to flood-hit areas and to the BBMP War Room. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the overnight rain as "unexpected" and instructed civic agencies to undertake emergency measures, such as desilting of stormwater drains. He also went to the affected areas of waterlogging and flooding. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
BMTC bus passengers climbed out of windows after the bus got stuck in water up to their knees at Silk Board Junction. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
The State Disaster Response Force struggled immensely as they responded to the flooding. Floodwaters swept into houses in low-lying areas of Bengaluru, flooding furniture and causing destruction of property. (Express Photo)
The IMD reports that Bengaluru had 105.5 mm of rain in 24 hours — the wettest May downpour since 2022 and close to its all-time record May rain in 1909. (Express Photo by Jithendra M)
