A tragic incident unfolded in Bengaluru, Karnataka, as a 22-year-old woman lost her life due to drowning when a car she was traveling in got stuck in neck-deep water at the KR Circle underpass. The underpass, located near Vidhana Soudha, the seat of power in Karnataka, experienced severe flooding during heavy rainfall. The victim, identified as Bhanurekha, worked at Infosys and hailed from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. Her family had come to Bengaluru as tourists and had hired a car for the trip.
When the car attempted to cross the underpass, which was already flooded, it became submerged, forcing the occupants to scramble for their lives. Fortunately, fire and emergency services personnel, aided by compassionate bystanders, managed to rescue five family members and the driver. However, tragically, Bhanurekha could not be saved and was declared dead upon arrival at St Martha’s Hospital.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promptly visited the hospital to assess the situation and offered compensation of ₹ five lahks to the deceased woman’s relatives. He also announced free treatment for the survivors undergoing medical care. Responding to reporters’ concerns about Bhanurekha being denied medical attention despite being alive when she reached the hospital, Siddaramaiah promised an investigation and pledged to take appropriate action.
Eyewitnesses reported that the car driver attempted to drive through the flooded underpass, but the water level rose rapidly, causing the vehicle to become trapped. As the family cried for help, nearby individuals rushed to assist them. Sarees and ropes were thrown to help the trapped individuals stay afloat, but their attempts to climb to safety proved futile. Eventually, emergency services personnel and Good Samaritans managed to rescue the survivors using ladders and swimming skills.
Sadly, the incident was not isolated, as another underpass near Majestic also faced waterlogging, trapping several vehicles and leaving people struggling to escape. This event highlighted the recurring issue of inadequate measures to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall in Bengaluru. Many residents complained that the underpasses frequently become inundated, causing inconvenience and posing risks to public safety.
The heavy rainfall also resulted in water entering numerous houses across the city. Mahalakshmi Layout, a prime area, experienced extensive damage as water surged into homes, destroying furniture, electronic appliances, and stored food grains. Other areas affected by flooding included Malleswaram, Rajaji Nagar, Srirampuram, Kengeri, Mysuru Road, and various low-lying regions. The situation was compounded by fallen trees, causing damage to homes and vehicles, and resulting in severe traffic disruptions.
Bengaluru civic agency officials acknowledged the influx of complaints regarding waterlogging and fallen trees from various areas in the city. The incident underscores the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address the city’s inadequate drainage infrastructure and mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Only through proactive steps and improved disaster preparedness can such unfortunate incidents be prevented, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
