Bengaluru rains: After the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert, the Karnataka government on Tuesday advised IT-BT companies and private firms in Bengaluru to allow work-from-home on 16 October.
Heavy rainfall is expected to persist, with temperatures reaching 26°C. Bengaluru and its nearby districts like Chamarajanagar, Mandya, and Ramanagara, will be affected by the weather through 17 October, with temperatures rising to 27°C.
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Amid the ongoing severe weather, the Department of Electronics, Information Technology-Biotechnology and Science and Technology stated,“In light of the continuous and heavy rainfall in Bengaluru City and the orange alert issued by the Meteorological Department, we are prioritising the safety and well-being of all employees working in IT, BT and private companies located in Bengaluru. As transportation systems may be disrupted due to flooding, waterlogging and traffic congestion commuting to office premises could pose risks. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that IT-BT and private companies permit their employees to Work From Home on October 16, 2024,” The Indian Express reported.
Meanwhile,Bengaluru district commissioner G Jagadeesha has declared a school holiday for 16 October due to the heavy rainfall.
The advisory was issued after employees requested work-from-home options, following 24 hours of continuous rain. Areas under BBMP limits received 37 mm of rain, while others saw up to 65 mm between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm. Several major roads, including Manyata Tech Park, were heavily waterlogged. The IMD predicts the city will continue to experience rain for the next three days.
On Tuesday, Bengaluru woke up to gloomy skies and persistent rainfall, which led to severe waterlogging and traffic congestion. Commuters across the city, including on Outer Ring Road, Nagawara Flyover, Bellary Road near Kempegowda International Airport, Balagere Main Road, Panathur Underpass, and HAL Main Road, navigated flooded streets.
As city gears up for the highly anticipated Test series between India and New Zealand, continuous rainfall has left both teams and their fans frustrated. The rain has severely impacted practice sessions over the past few days, raising concerns about the match’s fate.
Netizens have taken to Twitter to share their reactions:
One fan tweeted, “Today the first Test match between India and New Zealand is scheduled in Bengaluru, but with rain pouring continuously, the chances of the match happening are very slim.”
Another user remained hopeful, saying, “Not raining currently in my area! Let’s hope for the best!”
A third user commented on the city’s congestion, writing, “Every year, lakhs of Indians from all parts of the country come and join this crazy traffic of #Bengaluru. We need to decongest job opportunities; traffic will automatically reduce.”