3 killed in heavy Rains at west Bengaluru

Three people were killed and two others were washed away and feared dead, as heavy rain pummelled an already-bruised Bengaluru on Friday evening.

The three deaths, all in West Bengaluru, took the rain-related toll this season to 13. Ten people had been killed in the city between May 14 and Oct 12.

In Kurubarahalli 18th cross, a couple -Shankarappa, 50, and Kamalamma, 42 -died after their compound wall collapsed on them. " A retaining wall of a nearby stormwater drain crashed sending water gushing into their home.With 4-5 feet of water inside their house, the couple decided to go to the terrace. As they got out of their home, the compound fell on them," police said.

A few metres away in SVK Layout, a temple



priest was washed away in a storm water drain around 7.30pm. Police said Vasudev, 45, was trying to clear a block that he thought may have resulted in inundation when the drain wall collapsed and he was washed away in the water. His body was found around 11pm.

"The priest and a couple died, while two others were washed away. I am in touch with my people. This unprecedented rain has posed unprecedented challenges, we are taking all the required measures," Bengaluru development minister KJ George told TOI from Kurubarahalli.

Up to 9 pm Friday, the city received nearly 3cm of rain, according to the Met department, while the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Centre (KSNDMC) said that parts of the city may have received up to 8cm.