Heavy Rains Cause Waterlogging and Traffic Jams in Bengaluru, Schools Declared Closed

Bengaluru experienced significant waterlogging and traffic jams on October 21 after heavy rainfall. In response, the deputy commissioner of Bengaluru Urban District announced a holiday for schools and anganwadis. A statement from the Karnataka government on Monday morning indicated that G Jagadeesh issued a verbal order, with an official notification to follow shortly.

“Due to continuous rain in Bengaluru Urban district, a holiday has been declared on October 21 for all anganwadi centers, as well as private and aided primary and high schools, as a precautionary measure in the interest of students,” the statement said.

However, all colleges offering degree, postgraduate, diploma, engineering, and ITI courses will remain open, and no holiday has been declared for these institutions.

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IMD Issues Orange Alert as Bengaluru Faces Confusion Over School Closures

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bengaluru has issued an ‘orange alert’ for heavy rains over the next three hours across Bengaluru. According to the IMD, moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers, accompanied by lightning, are likely in the coming hours. IMD said Bengaluru received 62 mm of rain in 24 hours till 8:30am on October 21.

The decision has, however, created confusion among parents and students as many school buses had operated before the announcement. Many parents said their children had left for school before the announcement was made. Some private schools had opted for online classes, anticipating the rainfall.  Shwetha H, a parent wrote on X: “Very bad management from both government and schools. All kids went to school now came back”. However, state government officials said they received Met department’s Orange alert only at 6:45am on October 21.

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Urgent Safety Measures in Bengaluru After Heavy Rain

Jagadeesh stated that the decision to verbally declare a holiday for schools and anganwadis was made urgently, with an official order expected soon. He emphasized the need for safety during lectures and instructed college heads to inspect their buildings, ensuring that weak or dilapidated structures are not used for classes.

To make up for lost learning time, extra classes will be held on Saturday afternoons or Sundays. Parents and college authorities are urged to keep students away from low-lying, waterlogged areas and ensure the safety of vehicles used by students. The district collector also advised that students be informed about how to respond to natural calamities.

Motorists reported severe waterlogging on major tech corridors like Outer Ring Road and Sarjapur Road, while areas such as Bannerghatta Road and Madiwala are also affected. Traffic police have advised using alternate routes due to flooding at the Panathur railway underpass.