Bengaluru rains: Sai Layout still submerged days after rain; Residents question on relief efforts
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Bengaluru (PTI): Even after a night without rain in the city, Sai Layout in North Bengaluru remains considerably waterlogged on Wednesday. This situation underscores the area's susceptibility as a low-lying residential area with enduring drainage issues.
The recent rainfall of 140 mm, which occurred from late Sunday night until Tuesday, has resulted in widespread flooding throughout the city; however, the inhabitants of Sai Layout have been particularly affected. Several residences on the ground and first floors remain inaccessible, and civic authorities are still actively involved in rescue and relief operations.
Presently, a team from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is engaged in efforts to clear drainage systems and pump out the accumulated water. Nevertheless, numerous residents have expressed their frustration with the gradual pace of these endeavors.
Surya, an IT professional residing in the area, conveyed his distress, stating, “For the past three days, it has been a distressing experience. A single instance of rainfall caused a nearly five-foot increase in water levels, inundating our entire home. We also lack access to potable water because the sump has been contaminated.” He further mentioned that the flooding problem in the layout recurs with each episode of rainfall.
Another resident remarked, "The absence of electricity for three days has rendered even those of us capable of working remotely unable to do so."
Residents have also articulated their concerns regarding what they perceive as a political exchange of blame concerning the absence of a lasting resolution. Many contend that the state and central governments are deferring responsibility, particularly in relation to a small railway culvert that consistently becomes obstructed during periods of rain.
A resident explained to PTI, "BBMP states that they are unable to clear the vent as it falls under the jurisdiction of Indian Railways, while railway officials have reportedly denied receiving any such request. This impasse has become a recurring justification, with no tangible progress observed year after year."
The Shirdi Saibaba Temple, after which the locality is named, has also sustained significant damage due to the flooding. Dayananda, the temple chairman, reported, “The entire temple has been damaged, and documents have been washed away. The generator, on which I invested Rs 6.5 lakh, is irreparable. Owing to inadequate planning, all the water from Hebbal is now being diverted here. Twenty years ago, this area was merely a jungle. I established this place with faith, and now the residents wish to leave.”
Ramesh, a long-term resident, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the chronic and unresolved drainage problems. "BBMP officials are present, but their progress is very slow. The primary issue is the railway track vent, which is insufficiently wide to allow proper water flow. A larger culvert is necessary to prevent our problems from persisting.”
Several families whose ground-floor homes remain flooded are reluctant to evacuate, indicating that they have no alternative accommodation. Many residents are unwilling to leave their possessions unattended. Some residents have also reported a lack of substantial evacuation assistance or temporary shelter provided by the government or BBMP.
The repetitive nature of this crisis has left residents feeling exhausted and disillusioned, as Sai Layout continues to confront the same challenges annually, despite assurances from authorities that have yielded minimal lasting impact.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar are scheduled to visit Sai Layout today as part of their assessment of flood-affected areas across the city. Residents are hopeful that their visit will lead to a permanent resolution to their ongoing difficulties.
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Hamas alleges abuse, collective punishment at Rafah crossing, Gaza exit still remains restricted
Gaza: Hamas on Tuesday accused Israeli authorities of subjecting Palestinians returning to Gaza through the Rafah crossing to mistreatment, abuse and extortion, describing the alleged actions as collective punishment rather than routine border procedures.
In a statement, the Palestinian group claimed that testimonies from travellers pointed to practices such as the detention of women, blindfolding, prolonged interrogations, threats involving children and attempts to coerce individuals into collaboration. Hamas said these actions were intended to instil fear and discourage Palestinians from returning to their homes, and called on international human rights organisations to document the alleged violations, as reported by AL Jazeera.
The allegations come amid continued uncertainty over the functioning of the Rafah crossing, which reopened on Monday after nearly two years of closure. According to reports, around 135 Palestinians have reached the crossing seeking permission to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment, though only a small number have been allowed to exit so far.
On the first day of reopening, Israel permitted only five critically ill patients to cross into Egypt. On Tuesday, a limited number of additional patients were reportedly allowed to leave, while the return of Palestinians to Gaza has also remained slow and unclear.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed concern over the lack of clarity surrounding the crossing’s operations. ICRC spokesperson Pat Griffiths said the uncertainty was compounding the suffering of Palestinians who have already endured prolonged trauma, noting that many expressed a desire to return to normal life despite understanding that recovery would take considerable time.
Journalists reporting from southern Gaza told Al Jazeera that families were anxiously waiting for relatives separated for years, with little information on who would be allowed to cross or return. Restrictions at the crossing, including limits on personal belongings and lengthy screening processes, have further added to delays.
