Tragedy Strikes: Construction Collapse Claims One Life and Traps Others

A construction labourer, identified as Armaan, lost his life and 14 others sustained injuries after a multi-story under-construction building collapsed in Anjanadri Layout, Babusapalya, on Tuesday. Police authorities have confirmed that 14 workers have been rescued from the debris and rushed to nearby hospitals. The search continues for five more individuals who are believed to be trapped in the rubble.

At the time of the collapse, there were around 20 workers inside the building. The victims were reportedly taking shelter from the rain when the incident occurred.

Lakes are overpouring
Many lakes in Bengaluru are now at their full capacity. In all, five lakes in the south zone, six in the RR Nagar, six in the Yelahanka, and three in the Dasarahalli are filled. Water from Jakkur and Yelahanka Lakes has overflowed into residential areas.

Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said, "Monday night's rain resembled a cloudburst. The downpour caused the Doddabommasandra Lake, which had filled up after 17 years, to overflow." Since the lakes are interconnected, filling of one lake leads to overflow of downstream lakes, said BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath.

Siblings feared to have drowned in the lake

Authorities launched a search operation on Tuesday and recovered the bodies of a brother and sister suspected to have drowned in a lake. The incident occurred on Monday evening when 13-year-old Srinivas and 11-year-old Mahalaksmi went to fetch water from the lake near their home in Kengeri. According to police, while playing by the water, Mahalaksmi slipped and fell in. Srinivas attempted to rescue her but ended up drowning alongside his sister when no one responded to his cries for help.

Varahi Reservoir to reach its full capacity
The Mani (Varahi) Reservoir, which has filled to capacity only three times in the past 35 years, is on track to reach full capacity this year. As of Monday, the water level stood at 593.34 metre (29.13 TMC), just 1.02 mt (12 feet) shy of its maximum capacity of 594.36 mt (31.10 TMC). With another week of heavy rainfall expected, it is projected to fill within the next 10 days. Heavy rainfall in the Tungabhadra irrigation region has led to a substantial rise in inflow to the TB Dam. The Tungabhadra Reservoir, crucial for farmers in Kalyana Karnataka, has seen elevated inflow levels over the past few days. On Monday, the inflow reached 31,000 cusecs, resulting in a total outflow of 49,000 cusecs through 10 crest gates, with 35,000 cusecs released into the river.