Bengaluru Floods Claim Lives, City Struggles with Heavy Rainfall

Heavy rainfall in Bengaluru on May 19, 2025, led to tragic incidents, including the electrocution of an elderly man and a 12-year-old boy in a flooded basement, as the city grapples with recurring flood woes.

The relentless rain, totalling just 10.5 cm, turned Bengaluru, India’s IT capital, into a swamp, prompting rescue operations with dinghies. The deaths highlight the severe impact of flooding, with the city facing a familiar cycle of rain, flood, and inadequate infrastructure.

Tragic Incidents and City Response

On May 19, 2025, Bengaluru experienced heavy rainfall that caused widespread flooding, resulting in the deaths of 63-year-old Manamohan Kamath and 12-year-old Dinesh, who were electrocuted while trying to clear water from a basement in BTM Second Stage, as reported by NDTV. This incident is part of a broader pattern of flooding that has plagued the city.

• Rainfall and Flooding: Just 10.5 cm of rain was enough to inundate large parts of Bengaluru, turning roads into rivers and necessitating rescue operations, according to The Economic Times. The city’s infrastructure, particularly its drainage system, has been overwhelmed, leading to waterlogging in residential and commercial areas.

• Rescue Efforts: Authorities deployed dinghies for rescue operations in severely affected areas, reflecting the extent of the flooding. The Times of India noted that this is not the first time Bengaluru has faced such a situation, with the cycle of rain and flood repeating annually.

• Human Cost: The electrocution incident underscores the dangers posed by flooding, especially in low-lying areas. The Indian Express reported that a third rain-related death occurred when a compound wall collapsed, killing a 35-year-old woman, further emphasising the human toll.

Bengaluru’s struggle with flooding is exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and inadequate planning, making even moderate rainfall a significant challenge. As the city sends dinghies for rescue ops, the question of long-term solutions remains unanswered. Stay updated on Bengaluru rain news and the ongoing efforts to mitigate these recurring issues.