Kolkata and nearby areas were severely affected by heavy rain on Tuesday, with waterlogging crippling traffic, inundating streets, and flooding homes. The deluge, coming just days before Durga Puja, led to the tragic death of five people due to electrocution, while many neighborhoods remained submerged under knee-deep water.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Alipore recorded 247.5 mm of rainfall within 24 hours. Southern and eastern areas were hardest hit, with Garia Kamdahari receiving 332 mm, Jodhpur Park 285 mm, and Kalighat 280.2 mm. Other areas including Ballygunge, Ultadanga, Chingrihata, and Palmer Bazar also experienced heavy waterlogging.
The rainfall caused widespread disruption in transportation. Suburban train services in the Howrah and Sealdah divisions were short-terminated or short-originated due to waterlogging, and long-distance trains, including the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri and Howrah-Jamalpur Vande Bharat Express, were rescheduled. Kolkata Metro services were partially affected, although airport operations continued with minor delays.
Authorities deployed water pumps across the city, but flooding persisted as water from adjacent areas continued to flow back. The IMD warned that a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal would bring further rain to South Bengal districts including Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura until Wednesday. Another low-pressure system is expected around September 25, potentially prolonging rainfall.
The Kolkata heavy rain news comes at a critical time for the city, with Durga Puja preparations underway. Pandal-making, market activities, and festive celebrations have been disrupted. Residents and authorities continue efforts to manage waterlogging, while emergency teams remain on alert to prevent further casualties.
