Bengaluru weather leads to heavy flooding at Manyata Tech Park: Netizens demand WFH options as video goes viral

Bengaluru's Manyata Tech Park, one of the largest tech hubs in India, experienced significant flooding on October 15 due to relentless rainfall that began early Tuesday morning. The heavy downpour left roads within the 300-acre tech park submerged, causing substantial disruptions for the tech workforce. Videos shared on social media captured the extent of the flooding, showcasing waterlogged streets that rendered access difficult.

The North Bangalore Post, an X handle, reported, “The roads in Manyata Tech Park on the ORR Bengaluru are under water. With rains continuing without a break from 3 AM, expect more flooding in and around this area.” The sight of “lakes and waterfalls” forming within the tech park was also noted by users, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Traffic congestion has become a pressing issue, particularly at the Hebbal flyover, where gridlock is anticipated to worsen during the evening rush hour. To avoid being stranded, weather bloggers like Bengaluru Weatherman advised office-goers to leave work early. They tweeted, “With more rain in store for the coming 2-3 hours, it's better to leave the office whenever you get a chance.”

Growing Calls for Work-from-Home Options

As the rain continued, many tech professionals expressed their frustrations over the city’s inadequate infrastructure to handle such weather events. Comments from residents reflected a growing desire for work-from-home options. “Please be cautious while passing the waterlogged areas. Better late than face safety issues. Stay safe,” one user cautioned, while another remarked, “Manyata is blocked.”

WOULD BE GOOD IF COMPANIES CAN PROVIDE WFH FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS

Looks like Bengaluru might receive rains for the next 2 days. Would be appropriate if companies can provide or encourage WFH for the next 2 days.

This would reduce the traffic in the City and ensure life is easier… pic.twitter.com/rF1olgKjGH

— Namma Karnataka Weather (@namma_vjy) October 15, 2024

Bengaluru's Deputy Commissioner has announced a holiday for all schools on Wednesday due to the weather, while colleges will remain operational. This decision comes as heavy rains have caused traffic snarls across various routes, including Tumakuru Road, Outer Ring Road, and Airport Road. School buses and daily commuters have reported being stranded for hours due to the persistent rain.

Ongoing Weather Concerns

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the rain will continue throughout the week. Areas in Bengaluru Rural, Chikballapura, and Kolar districts are also expected to face similar weather conditions. The IMD forecast indicates moderate to heavy rainfall in Bengaluru between October 14 and 17, with maximum temperatures expected to stay below 27°C.

The situation in Bengaluru has captured public attention, becoming a trending topic on Google. The keyword "Bangalore weather" saw over 50,000 searches, peaking during the morning rush hour when commuters struggled to navigate the flooded roads.

Civic authorities have come under scrutiny for their preparedness in managing the heavy rains. In a virtual meeting, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath urged officials to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in flood-prone areas. He emphasized, “Citizens can call the corporation helpline (1533) to report rain-related issues,” aiming to facilitate better communication during such crises.

As the rains persist, residents are reminded to stay safe and navigate with caution in the waterlogged areas.