Bengaluru Schools Shut as Heavy Rains Continue, Work From Home Advisory Issued for Offices

Bengaluru is bracing for another day of disruptions as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc across the city. In light of the severe weather conditions, schools and anganwadi centres in Bengaluru have been ordered to remain closed on Wednesday, and private companies have been advised to allow their employees to work from home. This move comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the region, signaling the likelihood of more intense rainfall.

Schools Closed and Work From Home Advised Amid Heavy Rains

The decision to close schools and anganwadi centres comes after Bengaluru experienced continuous rainfall throughout Tuesday, leading to widespread waterlogging and traffic congestion in various parts of the city. The heavy downpour prompted local authorities to take preventive measures to ensure public safety. In addition to school closures, private companies have been urged to shift to a work-from-home model for the day to reduce the impact of the rains on employees and ease traffic conditions.

While schools will remain closed, colleges will stay open, but strict safety guidelines have been issued to principals and administrators. Degree, postgraduate, diploma, and ITI institutions have been advised to implement necessary precautions to safeguard students commuting during the adverse weather.

Continuous Rain Causes Traffic Chaos and Waterlogging

Bengaluru has been dealing with non-stop rainfall since early Tuesday, causing significant waterlogging in several areas. The city’s infrastructure struggled to cope with the heavy downpour, resulting in severe traffic disruptions in key areas such as Varthur, Hebbal, and Kadubeesanahalli. Major tech hubs like Sarjapur and Manyata Tech Park on Outer Ring Road (ORR) also witnessed heavy congestion due to waterlogged roads, causing frustration among commuters.

The Hebbal flyover, a crucial traffic artery towards KR Puram, was temporarily closed to traffic due to flooding, although the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) later managed to clear the water and restore traffic flow. Similar issues were reported at Allasandra Main Road near the BBMP swimming pool in Yelahanka zone, where waterlogging caused disruptions until it was cleared by civic authorities.

Impact on Schools and Colleges

In response to the heavy rainfall, most schools have been asked to conduct online classes for students in higher grades to avoid disrupting their education. For younger students, schools have assigned homework and other assignments to be completed from home. While the closure of schools is expected to minimize risks for students, colleges will remain open with added safety measures. College principals have been instructed to ensure that students and staff adhere to safety guidelines during their commute and stay within the premises.

BBMP Sets Up 24/7 Control Rooms and Helpline

In anticipation of continued heavy rainfall, the BBMP has taken proactive steps by setting up round-the-clock control rooms across its eight zones to handle rain-related emergencies. Residents are encouraged to report issues such as waterlogging, flooding, and other rain-induced problems through the dedicated helpline number (1533). The BBMP’s control rooms will operate 24/7 to respond quickly to any emergencies and minimize the impact of the weather on daily life.

Orange Alert Issued by India Meteorological Department

The IMD’s orange alert for Bengaluru signifies that the intensity of rainfall is expected to increase in the coming days. This alert urges residents to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in areas prone to flooding. The persistent showers that began on Tuesday morning are expected to continue, with a forecast for more heavy rain through Wednesday. With traffic chaos and waterlogging already affecting large parts of the city, the orange alert serves as a critical warning for citizens to stay safe and take necessary precautions.

Tech Hubs and Commuters Affected

Bengaluru’s tech sector has not been immune to the effects of the heavy rain. Key areas like Manyata Tech Park and Sarjapur, home to some of the city's largest technology companies, have been severely impacted by waterlogged roads and slow-moving traffic. Commuters traveling to and from these tech hubs faced long delays and congested roads, further underscoring the need for the work-from-home advisory.

Precautionary Measures Urged as Rain Continues

As Bengaluru continues to experience relentless rainfall, the authorities are urging residents to take extra precautions. With several areas still vulnerable to flooding and traffic disruptions, staying indoors and avoiding travel is strongly recommended. The BBMP’s helpline and control rooms are in place to assist those affected by the rain, and updates on weather conditions will continue to be monitored closely.

The city’s schools and companies are working together to ensure minimal disruption to daily activities while prioritizing public safety. As the heavy rains persist, residents are advised to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and make use of the available resources to navigate through this challenging weather.