Bengaluru has been battered by its heaviest May rainfall in two years, with 105.5 mm recorded in 24 hours ending May 19, 2025. The relentless downpour has claimed three lives—an elderly man and a minor who died of electrocution in a flooded apartment basement, and a woman killed in a wall collapse.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the city through May 22, as widespread waterlogging, traffic paralysis, and property damage continue to cripple daily life. Officials are racing to manage relief efforts and address long-standing infrastructure challenges.
Tragedy and Chaos: Human Cost of the Deluge
The record rainfall, the highest in May in two years, inundated large parts of Bengaluru, turning roads into rivers and submerging vehicles and homes. In BTM Layout, 63-year-old Manmohan Kamath and 12-year-old Dinesh tragically lost their lives to electrocution while attempting to drain water from their apartment basement using an electric motor.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sarah Fathima confirmed, “Kamath had brought a motor from outside and connected it to a power source to pump out water from the cellar. During this process, he suffered an electric shock due to a short circuit and died.” Dinesh, who tried to assist, also died instantly. Earlier, in Whitefield, 35-year-old Shashikala was killed when a rain-soaked compound wall collapsed on her as she walked to work.
Visuals from across the city showed severe waterlogging in areas like Koramangala, HSR Layout, and Whitefield, with residents wading through waist-deep water and rescue teams deploying boats and tractors to evacuate those stranded. Public transport was severely disrupted, and many families endured sleepless nights without electricity, food, or water.
Political Reactions and Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
The crisis has reignited debate over Bengaluru’s urban management and disaster preparedness. Opposition leaders criticised the Congress-led state government for failing to act on repeated warnings and neglecting drainage infrastructure, dubbing the city “Submerged Bengaluru.”
In response, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar admitted that only 70% of flood-prone areas have been addressed and promised to accelerate work on stormwater drains, including World Bank-funded projects. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced ₹5 lakh compensation for Shashikala’s family and assured that relief and rehabilitation efforts are ongoing.
Record Rainfall and Ongoing Weather Threats
The IMD’s report of 105.5 mm rainfall in just 24 hours marks Bengaluru’s second-highest May rainfall in a decade, and the highest in two years, nearing a 115-year-old record.
The IMD has extended a yellow alert for the city and 22 other Karnataka districts until May 22, forecasting continued thunderstorms and heavy showers. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid waterlogged areas as more rain is expected through the week.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The tragic loss of lives and widespread suffering in Bengaluru underscores the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, robust drainage systems, and transparent governance. While nature’s fury cannot be controlled, the devastation highlights years of neglect and inadequate disaster preparedness.
The Logical Indian calls for empathy, accountability, and collective action to build resilient infrastructure and inclusive solutions that protect all citizens. In these challenging times, how can Bengaluru’s communities and leaders unite to create a safer, more harmonious city?
