Kolkata and its surrounding suburbs are grappling with widespread disruption after a night of intense and relentless rainfall. The city woke up to submerged streets, stalled transportation systems, and heartbreaking news of seven fatalities due to rain-related incidents across various neighborhoods, including Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, and Ekbalpur.
City Underwater: Roads, Trains, and Metro Services Hit
The torrential downpour led to extensive waterlogging across key areas of the city, making roads nearly impassable and forcing the suspension of local train and Metro services. Residential neighborhoods reported water seeping into homes, severely affecting daily life. Several schools declared emergency closures, citing safety concerns for students and staff.
Southern and Eastern Kolkata Worst Affected
The southern and eastern parts of Kolkata bore the brunt of the storm, with some locations recording over 300 mm of rainfall within a few hours—an amount typically seen over several days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the extreme weather is attributed to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to continue bringing rain over the next few days.
Durga Puja Preparations at Risk
The timing of the downpour has raised concerns as the city gears up for Durga Puja, one of its largest and most anticipated festivals. With thousands of visitors expected, pandal organizers are now racing to protect intricate decorations and massive structures from water damage. Local artisans and volunteers are working around the clock, erecting waterproof covers and drainage systems where possible.
Air Travel Disrupted: Passengers Advised Caution
Operations at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport have also been affected. Water accumulation on runways and severe traffic congestion on access roads have caused delays. Air India, IndiGo, and other major carriers have issued advisories, urging passengers to check flight status updates and arrive at the airport well in advance to avoid disruptions.
Public Safety Advisory
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow updates from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and disaster management teams. Relief operations are ongoing, and emergency helplines have been activated to assist those affected by flooding.
