Bengaluru rains: Death toll mounts to 5, over 500 homes flooded

Incessant rains continued to wreak havoc in Bengaluru as the death toll rose to five on Tuesday (May 20) while over 500 homes have been flooded. As per the latest reports, more than 20 lakes are on the verge of overflow, as the rain continues to batter the city.

Kid among deceased

The five victims include a 12-year-old, who was electrocuted while trying to drain rainwater that had entered an apartment in the city, police said on Tuesday (May 20).

According to Mico Layout Police, Manmohan Kamath (63), a resident of Madhuvan Apartment in NS Palya near BTM 2nd Stage and Dinesh (12), son of a Nepalese man employed at the apartment complex, who was standing near Kamath, were electrocuted.

Also read: Bengaluru floods: Toll rises to 3 as child, elderly man electrocuted; more rains expected

Earlier on Monday (May 19), Sasikala (35) died when a compound wall fell on her while she was sweeping at a company in Mahadevapura.

Officials revealed that two people have died in a lightning strike in Raichur and Karwar, taking the death count to five.

Orphanage flooded

Several main areas have seen streets reduced to waterways, flooded underpasses and flyovers, miles-long traffic jams and disruption to public transportation services.

An orphanage in Hennur also bore the brunt of the downpour, with the Fire and Rescue Department along with the Disaster Response Force rescuing the people there when the water level began to rise and flood the place.

BJP slams govt

BJP state chief BY Vijayendra, speaking to the news agency ANI, said, "Siddaramaiah government has become so insensitive. When the people are the worst affected due to the rains over the last two days in Bengaluru, they are busy celebrating the completion of two years of the government." He accused the Congress government of not acting swiftly to address these issues.

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"The chief minister and his deputy keep talking about the greater Bengaluru, but won't help. All the contractors' payments have stopped, and the work has also stopped," he added. Vijayendra, along with several other leaders, inspected the flooded Silk Road Junction and other waterlogged areas.

DKS responds

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said officials are on the field and attending to the issues caused by the downpour, and there is no need for anyone to worry.

Shivakumar, who is also the minister in charge of Bengaluru Development, asserted that the government is committed to protecting the lives and properties of the people, as he hit back at the Opposition's criticism of the administration's "failure" in managing the situation.

Also read: Bengaluru rains: Crores spent, zero results, says opposition

Regarding the Opposition condemning the Congress government and its "Brand Bengaluru", the Deputy CM asked, "Can they stop nature? No one can stop. Let them criticise, we will do our duty." Replying to a question on the possibility of more rain, he said, "I'm someone who says let there be rains, let anyone say anything. The more the rain, the better for the state."

'Priority to save lives'

When questioned about the condition of roads in Bengaluru amid rains, Shivakumar said work is on and permanent concrete roads are being laid. He promised that the government would do everything required to prevent any more loss of life or structural damage.

Also read: Bengaluru rains: Woman dies in Whitefield after wall collapse; yellow alert issued

"We got information about two deaths late last evening. We have sent out officials. I will also go. Instructions have been given to officials. All are on the field and are attending. There is no need for anyone to worry. Our priority is to save the lives and properties of people. We are committed to it," he said.

Orange alert

Meanwhile, the IMD issued an orange alert for Bengaluru and a yellow alert at various places across Karnataka on Tuesday. IMD Bengaluru Centre Director N Puviarasu said they have issued an orange alert for Bengaluru.

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The IMD bulletin released on Tuesday (May 20) also cautioned people, saying, "Take safe shelters. Do not take shelter under trees. Unplug electrical/electronic appliances immediately. Get out of water bodies immediately. Keep away from all the objects that conduct electricity."