Relentless Bengaluru rains wreak havoc: Giant tree uproots near Padmanabhanagar Circle, damaging property

The city continues to reel under the effects of incessant pre-monsoon rains, with yet another incident highlighting the dangerous consequences of prolonged downpours. In a disturbing episode late last night, a massive tree uprooted and collapsed near Padmanabhanagar Circle, causing severe property damage and triggering panic among local residents.

Also Read:Rain-hit Sai Layout battles illness; BBMP offers medical relief

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around midnight when the already waterlogged ground could no longer support the weight of the aged tree. The tree came crashing down with a loud noise, falling directly onto a parked car and damaging it beyond recognition. The impact was so powerful that the tree also brought down a portion of a nearby house's compound wall and entrance gate, and the branches smashed into windows, shattering the glass panes.

Residents of the area, many of whom were asleep when the incident happened, rushed out of their homes upon hearing the crash. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported, though the damage to private property has been considerable.

“The sound was terrifying. We thought something had exploded. When we came out, we saw the huge tree lying across the road and over the car. Our compound wall and gate have also collapsed,” said a local resident whose home bore the brunt of the fall.

Locals blame the lack of preventive maintenance by civic authorities. Many say they have repeatedly reported weak and overgrown trees to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in the past, but no action was taken. "This could have been avoided if the tree had been pruned or checked. There are many such trees in the area that pose a threat," another resident added.

In response, BBMP personnel arrived at the scene early in the morning and began clearing the debris. A team assessed the structural damage to the house and assured support for restoration. However, residents continue to demand long-term solutions, including routine inspection of vulnerable trees and a more robust drainage system to prevent waterlogging, which often leads to tree root weakening.