Bengaluru, India – The beloved independent bookstore, Bookworm, located on Church Street, is grappling with significant losses following torrential rains and subsequent flooding on April 29th. An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 books have been damaged, with initial assessments of the financial impact ranging from several lakhs to as high as Rs 14 lakh. The deluge, described as a result of an unprecedented and concentrated downpour, submerged shelves on the ground floor of the store, inundating stock with water that rose nine to ten inches.
The damage encompasses a wide array of titles, including a substantial collection of author-signed books and coffee table books. While many of the affected books are used, some were part of new stock, acquired in anticipation of summer holidays. Efforts are underway to dry out the drenched books, a painstaking process aimed at salvaging what can be saved.
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Community Rallies in Support
The incident has not only highlighted the city's recurring 'urban infrastructure challenges' and the vulnerability of its drainage systems to intense rainfall but has also galvanized the local reading community. Social media has seen an outpouring of support, with customers, readers, and social media users expressing concern and offering assistance. Suggestions range from direct purchases to other forms of aid, demonstrating the bookstore's deep-rooted significance as a 'cultural hub for readers in the city'.
Scale of the Deluge
The rainfall on April 29th was particularly intense, with reports indicating over 100 mm of rain fell within hours, including a concentrated burst of nearly 78 mm in just 30 minutes. This volume of water overwhelmed drainage systems, contributing to the flooding that affected various parts of Bengaluru, including the Central Business District where Bookworm is situated.
Historical Context
Bookworm, established over two decades ago, has long been a fixture on Church Street, largely insulated from the city's monsoon woes until this recent event. The bookstore has shared distressing visuals of the flooded premises, showing books submerged in murky water, eliciting shock and sympathy from a wide online audience.
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