Nightmare at daybreak in City

Nightmare at daybreak in City
DH News Service, Bangalore:
It was nightmare at daybreak for hundreds of families trapped in Bangalore's low-lying areas, flooded by early morning showers on Thursday...


If four-feet deep rainwater had over 50 families stuck in Byrathi Cross, residents of 200 flats in Sai Garden apartments at Shigehalli near Kadugodi had to be rescued from their waterlogged abodes.

At Avalahalli, a strong stone wall, surrounding a private firm on Old Madras Road and running a length of over 200 feet, came crashing down. Water gushed into the office premises forcing shutdown of operations on Thursday and Friday.

Elsewhere in the City, heavy downpour flooded roads, lakes and storm water drains, causing miseries aplenty to people. BBMP, BESCOM and BWSSB personnel had a tough time restoring a semblance of order.

At Byrathi Cross, it was an undeclared holiday as the rainwater entered homes at 3 am, rising to almost four feet.

Residents lay the blame on BBMP and the blockage it constructed in a stormwater drain, which was being upgraded on Hennur Main Road. The water thus blocked rushed onto the streets, they charged. BBMP officials were spotted desilting another stormwater drain and temporarily diverting the water.

At the Kadugodi apartment, the buildings’ proximity to the Elemallapa lake causes a recurring problem. Every year the lake overflows due to rain and floods the apartment complex. To make matters worse, electricity was shut off on Thursday. Panicked residents scrambled to pick valuable items and move out of their flats, with the elderly rescued in boats.

Four cars and five two-wheelers were completely submerged in the rain water which stood at 7 feet.
Meanwhile, BBMP distributed food grains, compensation and clothes to rain-affected people at VS Garden and IPD Salappa extension area. Temporary shelter has been provided to affected citizens at Ambedkar Bhavan.

Heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday damaged 28 houses. The walls of 15 houses partially collapsed and household articles of 13 houses were damaged.

A compensation of Rs 5000 each to those whose houses were damaged and Rs 1000 to those with damaged household articles, was distributed. Bedsheets, towels and clothes were distributed to all.