As severe flooding hit the residential complex in southern India’s Karnataka, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams sprang into action, rescuing stranded residents using boats. Emergency efforts were made to evacuate those trapped without access to basic necessities, ensuring their safety as water levels continued to rise.

The incident took place at Kendriya Vihar area of Yelahanka in Bengaluru and the video went viral on October 22.

Visuals showed boats navigating through waterlogged streets as residents trapped by rising floodwaters were rescued. The water had reached alarming levels, submerging much of the area, transforming it into a flooded zone. Rescuers worked swiftly, ensuring the safety of stranded people as the boats moved through the submerged streets, now resembling rivers.

According to reports, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar addressed the media on Wednesday, expressing concerns for the safety of those remaining. According to officials, while 95 percent of the residents have vacated their flats with the help of the welfare association, around 20 families are refusing to leave despite no power or water supply.

“This is one of the worst instances of flooding Yelahanka has seen in over a century,” said Shivakumar. “We are draining out the water, but the situation remains precarious. For their safety, we will likely need to forcibly evacuate these residents.”

Shivakumar highlighted that authorities had already tried various measures, including involving police, doctors, and welfare association members to persuade the remaining families to leave. However, sentiments or personal reasons seem to be causing resistance.

“We cannot wait any longer,” he added. “We will proceed with forceful evacuation to ensure their safety.”

With water and power services cut off, concerns over basic necessities like food and shelter have also prompted authorities to act quickly. Alternative lodging arrangements will be provided for the displaced families.