Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: Heavy rains caused widespread disruption across Bengaluru, flooding roads, damaging infrastructure and destroying nearly 5,000 books worth ₹14 lakh at a well-known Church Street bookstore within minutes.
Bookstore Suffers Major Loss
The iconic Bookworm bookstore was severely affected as rainwater quickly entered the premises after drainage outlets were clogged by hailstones. Thousands of books across genres like history, philosophy and literature were damaged beyond repair. The owner said the emotional and intellectual loss far outweighs the financial damage.
Transport and Public Areas Affected
Flooding disrupted traffic near key areas such as Jayadeva Hospital and Silk Board, forcing vehicles into limited lanes. Metro station premises were inundated, and at KSR railway station, a fallen tree caused damage to parked vehicles, adding to commuter woes.
Connectivity and Daily Life Hit
Uprooted trees snapped internet cables across multiple areas, causing connectivity issues in offices and homes. Many residents struggled to stay online during working hours and switched to mobile hotspots as a temporary solution.
Government Buildings Also Impacted
Rainwater entered the corridors of Vidhana Soudha, affecting offices of ministers, officials and opposition leaders, highlighting the severity of the downpour and infrastructure challenges.
Widespread Damage Across City
Authorities reported 170 fallen trees and 408 branches across Bengaluru, with the central zone worst affected. Over 500 complaints were received as emergency teams worked to manage the situation and clear debris.
Injuries and Local Incidents
A woman was injured after a tree fell on her in Kaval Byrasandra. In another incident, a large cutout of late actor Vishnuvardhan collapsed on Magadi Road, briefly disrupting traffic before normalcy was restored.
