Heavy rains that lashed Bengaluru have caused major damage to The Bookworm, an iconic independent bookstore, after rainwater entered its premises and destroyed thousands of books.
In a social media post, the bookstore shared visuals of its flooded interiors, with books scattered and soaked across the floor. The store estimated that around 4,000 to 5,000 books were damaged in the incident.
'Due to heavy rain in Bangalore, we lost 4,000 to 5,000 books,' the post read, reflecting the scale of loss.
The incident comes amid unprecedented rainfall in the city. According to weather data, Bengaluru recorded 111 mm of rain within 24 hours, breaking a long-standing April record.
The intense downpour, accompanied by hailstorms, flooded several central areas including MG Road and Trinity Circle, bringing normal life to a halt.
As news of the damage spread, the reading community responded with an outpouring of support. Many people предложed buying the damaged books to help the store recover losses, while others suggested organising initiatives like a 'wet book fair'.
Several users also offered to donate books or amplify support through social media, highlighting the strong bond between the bookstore and its patrons.
The rains, triggered by a severe pre-monsoon thunderstorm, also caused widespread disruption across the city. In a tragic development, multiple fatalities were reported in rain-related incidents, including a wall collapse.
Despite the setback, the response from the community has brought hope to the bookstore. The incident not only highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to extreme weather but also the strength of community support in times of crisis