The city has been battered by relentless rainfall for the past three days, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the showers will continue for at least three more. Areas such as Hosur Road and Hennur are already waterlogged, with apartments and roads inundated. Low-lying residential zones have seen floodwaters enter homes, escalating fears of a full-scale urban flood emergency.
Shockingly, it has now come to light that the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) had issued a flood alert one month ago, warning that over 200 localities in Bengaluru were at risk.
KSDMA, in a circular dated April 2, had flagged 200 flood-prone zones across eight city zones, including Bommanahalli, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Yelahanka, Dasarahalli, Mahadevapura, and Bengaluru East, West, and South zones. Agencies like BBMP, BWSSB, BESCOM, and the traffic police were directed to initiate pre-monsoon preparedness from April 15 onwards.
Despite this, public criticism is mounting over the state government's inaction. Citizens are questioning why precautionary steps were not taken, even when official warnings had indicated above-normal rainfall.
According to the April 2 directive, KSDMA had instructed local bodies to disseminate real-time alerts 12 hours in advance, using tools like the “Bengaluru Megha Sandesha” mobile app, and platforms such as [www.varunamitra.karnataka.gov.in](http://www.varunamitra.karnataka.gov.in). The advisory also stressed that data on rainfall intensity, lightning activity, water levels in stormwater drains, alternative routes, and emergency alerts should be updated every 12 hours for public safety.
The IMD’s April 15 early monsoon forecast had clearly predicted above-average rainfall across Karnataka. In response, the Revenue Department (Disaster Management) had urged civic agencies to prepare for possible flood-related damage. However, the lack of visible preparation has now triggered widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of negligence.
The ongoing downpour has already claimed multiple lives across Karnataka and paralyzed several Bengaluru neighborhoods. The failure to act on early warnings has raised pressing questions about disaster readiness in one of India’s fastest-growing urban centers.