By The Sampadak Express
South India is reeling under the impact of relentless rainfall, with heavy downpours disrupting normal life, causing fatalities, and prompting weather alerts across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed parts of all three states under red, orange, or yellow alerts, warning of further heavy rains due to a developing cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea.
Karnataka Weather: Bengaluru Flooded, 5 Dead Across State
Bangaluru Battered: Heavy rains over the past 36 hours have left Bengaluru inundated. Several key areas including Silk Board Junction, Hosur Road, and BTM Layout witnessed knee-deep water, leading to severe traffic congestion and disruption of daily life.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that 210 flood-prone zones had been identified in the city. While most have been addressed, work is ongoing in the remaining areas. The government has already constructed 197 km of stormwater drains and allocated ₹2,000 crore towards improving drainage infrastructure.
Tragic Loss of Lives: Karnataka has reported five rain-related deaths:
Bengaluru: Three fatalities, including a 63-year-old man and a 12-year-old boy, who were electrocuted while trying to drain water using a motor pump at Madhuvan Apartment near BTM 2nd Stage.
A 35-year-old woman, Shashikala, employed at a software firm in Mahadevapura, died when a wall collapsed on her.
Raichur and Karwar: Two people died after being struck by lightning.
Weather Alerts: Bengaluru received 105 mm of rain overnight, with the city placed under an orange alert for May 21. Other districts like Bagalkot, Belgaum, Kolar, and Vijayanagara are also under alert. IMD has urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Kerala Under Red Alert Amid Monsoon Onset
Districts Affected: The IMD has issued a red alert for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours. An orange alert is in place for Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur, while Idukki, Ernakulam, and Alappuzha are under yellow alert.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has warned of possible landslides and mudslides in hilly areas and advised residents in vulnerable zones to shift to safer locations or relief camps if needed.
Monsoon Update: The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala within the next 4–5 days, potentially marking the earliest onset since 2009. Conditions are also favorable for its progression into parts of Tamil Nadu, the Bay of Bengal, and northeastern India.
Tamil Nadu: 3 Die in Madurai Wall Collapse
Rain and Thunderstorms: Several parts of Tamil Nadu have experienced thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds. IMD has forecast moderate rain and thunderstorms in Chennai through May 26.
Casualties in Madurai: A tragic wall collapse in Valaiyangulam village near Thirupparankundram claimed the lives of three people, including a 10-year-old boy. The victims were sheltering near the entrance of a house during a power outage when a section of the wall collapsed due to the downpour.
Local police have registered a case, and investigations are underway.
Cyclonic System Brewing in Arabian Sea
According to IMD, an upper air cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the east-central Arabian Sea off the Karnataka coast around May 21, which may develop into a low-pressure system. The system is expected to move northwards and intensify, possibly bringing more rain to coastal and interior regions.
IMD Advisory: Authorities are urging residents across all three states to remain alert, avoid travel in affected regions, and take necessary precautions in low-lying and flood-prone areas as the weather continues to remain volatile.
