14 cm rain​​ in four hours floods Bengaluru;​ brace for more ​in next three days

The city witnessed a record ​rainfall of 143.8 mm ​in just over four hours overnight.
State disaster relief personnel using an inflatable boat to rescue residents at ST Bed Layout in Koramangala in Bengaluru after heavy rainfall inundated the locality on Tuesday | Express
State disaster relief personnel using an inflatable boat to rescue residents at ST Bed Layout in Koramangala in Bengaluru after heavy rainfall inundated the locality on Tuesday | Express

BENGALURU: Many South Bengalureans woke up to a flooded Independence Day on Tuesday. The city witnessed a record rainfall of 143.8 mm in just over four hours overnight. In other words, it received more rain in one day that it usually gets in entire August.

As water inundated parts of the south, boats had to be pressed into service. Hundreds of vehicles were submerged and I-Day functions were called off in some schools.  Four children sustained injuries after a tree fell near their school. Heavy rain resumed in the evening too.

Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for three consecutive days from Wednesday. This is expected to hit traffic movement with office goers returning to work after an extended weekend on Wednesday.

According to I MD, the rainfall recorded on Tuesday was one of the highest for a single day. IMD director Sundar Metri said HAL station received 143.8 mm rainfall. The last time the city recorded a single-day high was in 2009, with 77 mm rainfall. Historically, the highest rainfall recorded in a single day was 166mm in 1890.

SSM Gavaskar, scientist at Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Cell (KSNDMC), said the forecasts on Monday evening had indicated showers from August 16. “ However, after 9 pm on Monday, the cyclonic system strengthened rapidly resulting in the sudden rainfall.”

K SNDMC director Srinivas Reddy said , “Our 100 recording stations recorded 22mm to 184mm rainfall. Areas around Bannerghatta were the worst hit ,” he said . According to KSNDMC, Bilekahalli received 182mm rainfall.

RAIN POURS DELUGE OF TROUBLES ON RESIDENTS

Ramya points out at the increased
water level near her house
| nagaraja gadekal

Those staying in Koramangala are a worried lot as fear of contracting  vector-borne diseases looms large following flooding. Residents are also worried as water storage tanks are now contaminated

What doctors fear

Gastroenteritis outbreak
Skin infections
Typhoid
Cholera
Fungal infection

How to stay fit

Drink only boiled, filtered water
Refrain from eating raw food
Ensure food is cooked fresh and served hot
Use tissues to dry between toes frequently and use anti-fungal powder
Iron clothes and ensure they are completely dry before wearing them

A word of caution

Residents must refrain from eating raw food. They will also have to be watchful as there could be a possibility of dengue and chikungunya outbreaks a few weeks later.
Dr Ansar Ahmed, medical superintendent, Epidemic Diseases Hospital

Fungal infection begins when there is too much moisture. While feet of people are exposed to water, the areas between toes and the thighs are moist, making them prone to fungal infections.
Dr Sudheendra Udbalker, consultant dermatologist, Fortis Hospitals

Thermocol constituted a major chunk of garbage which was accumulated inside the drains in Koramangala area on Tuesday | nagaraja gadekal
Thermocol constituted a major chunk of garbage which was accumulated inside the drains in Koramangala area on Tuesday | nagaraja gadekal

Thermocol the main reason behind flooding?

While residents are reeling under massive flooding of sewage water in many parts of Koramangala, a huge chunk of thermocol waste was taken out of storm water drain channel. Drainage water could flow freely only after the earth movers pressed into service extricated thermocol pieces from the silt. Removal of thermocol from the drains also resulted in decreased water level in the low-lying areas. Earlier, at around 5 am, residents woke up to a scary sight where water had entered houses and drains of the area were clogged with garbage. After a couple of hours, water movement in drains became very slow due to accumulated silt, triggering panic among residents. 

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com