Bengaluru, May 19 (UNI) In the wake of widespread waterlogging in Bengaluru following heavy overnight rains, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said the state government was responding on a "war footing", even as one death was reported due to the downpour.
"Our officers are working on a war footing. One death has occurred. I am going to Bengaluru immediately... The Chief Minister and I will visit the flood-affected places," Shivakumar told reporters in Vijayanagara before rushing to the state capital.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit the rain-hit areas to assess the situation and hear grievances from affected residents. "The Chief Minister, along with officials, will inspect the affected parts of the city and try to resolve the issues as much as possible," said the Chief Minister’s Office in a statement.
Several areas across Bengaluru city, including Shantinagar Bus Stand, Sri Kanteerava Outdoor Stadium, and the Silk Board Metro Station, reported severe waterlogging as visuals circulated on social media showed submerged roads and flooded residential areas.
Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara acknowledged the crisis and said corrective measures were underway. "There is a flood. That is why the opposition is criticising. BBMP should take all measures to correct the situation here and it is being done. I have been observing it for the last two or three days, leaves and papers are lying on the road and get deposited in one place. BBMP is taking action," he told reporters in Bengaluru.
The civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is under pressure to address long-standing infrastructure gaps that have once again come to the fore with the rains. Further rainfall warnings remain in effect for the region, raising concern among citizens and authorities alike.
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