Masha Midhath   20 May 2025 - 01:50 PM
Residents were rescued by boats from flooded areas of Bengaluru © Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP
Residents were rescued by boats from flooded areas of Bengaluru © Idrees MOHAMMED / AFP
Torrential rains have inundated parts of Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, killing at least one person and bringing renewed attention to the city’s chronic infrastructure issues.

Known as India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru has witnessed rapid urban expansion that has outpaced its infrastructure development. Many natural waterways have been encroached upon or converted into waste dumps, causing frequent flooding during monsoon downpours.

Officials say storm water drains are either blocked, shallow, or filled with silt, hampering effective drainage. Despite repeated instructions to clear them, work remains ongoing.

Local media reports indicate the death toll may be higher, with *The Times of India* citing at least three fatalities. The city, home to over 10 million residents, continues to grapple with the challenges of urban planning amid intensifying weather patterns.

India’s annual monsoon season often brings deadly flash floods, with experts warning that climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency and severity of such events.