Bengaluru, the southern Indian city often referred to as the country’s “Silicon Valley”, has been severely affected by heavy rainfall, leaving many parts of the city submerged. Torrential downpours have caused widespread waterlogging on streets and major roads.

At least three people, including a 12-year-old child, were killed in rain-related incidents on Monday. The development was reported by the British broadcaster BBC on Tuesday (20 May).

According to the report, several areas of Bengaluru recorded around 100 mm (four inches) of rainfall on Monday (19 May), the highest level since 2011. CS Patil, director of the regional meteorological department, described the rainfall as a rare event for the city.

Severe waterlogging and traffic congestion disrupted daily life, while heavy rain also caused damage to property. Bengaluru hosts offices of many global technology companies, and several firms have asked employees to work from home due to flooding.

On Monday morning, the compound wall of I-Z Software Company in one of the city’s major IT corridors collapsed, killing a 35-year-old female employee.

Authorities said the city remains on high alert for further pre-monsoon rainfall due to a cyclone over the Andaman Sea. Officials added that the city corporation has identified 210 flood-prone areas and is working continuously to improve the situation.

Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka, currently governed by the Congress party. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the local government for failing to address rain-related issues despite significant infrastructure spending.

The BJP has demanded the immediate allocation of 10 billion rupees for relief operations. Defending the administration, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the problems are longstanding and had been neglected by previous governments.

In recent years, flooding has become a recurring issue in Bengaluru. Experts partly attribute the crisis to construction over lakes and wetlands, along with inadequate urban planning.