Heavy rain lashed Bengaluru on Thursday night, causing significant disruptions to air travel at Kempegowda International Airport. The downpour, accompanied by strong winds, rendered the airport inaccessible for landing between 9. 35 pm and 10. 29 pm, forcing the diversion of several flights.
Airport officials confirmed the diversion of 17 flights – 13 domestic and 3 international passenger flights, along with one international cargo flight. All diverted flights were directed to Chennai, the nearest alternate airport with operational capacity. While the exact number of passengers affected remains unclear, the disruption undoubtedly caused inconvenience for travelers with delayed or rerouted journeys.
Despite the air travel woes, the rain offered a welcome respite for Bengaluru residents. The city has been enduring scorching summer temperatures for weeks, and the downpour brought a much-needed drop in mercury levels. Social media was abuzz with citizens expressing their relief from the oppressive heat, with many sharing photos and videos of the rain-washed streets.
The respite, however, came at a cost. The strong winds associated with the rain toppled trees in several areas of the city, including Jayanagar, Nrupathunga Nagar, and RR Nagar. While no injuries or major property damage were reported, the fallen trees caused temporary roadblocks and disruptions to traffic flow. Municipal teams were deployed swiftly to clear the debris and restore normalcy on the affected roads.
The impact of the rain on Bengaluru's water situation is yet to be fully assessed. The city grapples with water scarcity during the summer months, and heavy rainfall can play a crucial role in replenishing reservoirs and groundwater levels. Authorities are likely to monitor water levels closely in the coming days to determine the long-term benefits of the downpour.
While the rain caused temporary disruptions for air travelers, it undeniably offered a significant reprieve from the summer heat for Bengaluru residents. With the hope of improved water security and a temporary break from the scorching temperatures, the city now awaits an update on the resumption of normal flight operations at Kempegowda International Airport.