Kolkata: Heavy overnight rainfall has claimed five lives across Kolkata and its suburbs, with extensive waterlogging paralyzing transportation and disrupting daily life just days before the city’s major Durga Puja celebrations.
The fatalities occurred in separate rain-related incidents across Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, and Ekbalpur, spanning central and southern parts of the city. The intense downpour has caused widespread waterlogging, forcing several schools to declare rain holidays and damaging property as water entered homes in low-lying areas.
Record Rainfall Measurements in Kolkata
Kolkata Municipal Corporation data reveals the severity of the deluge, with Garia Kamdahari recording 332mm of rain within hours. Other severely affected areas include Jodhpur Park (285mm), Kalighat (280mm), Topsia (275mm), and Ballygunge (264mm). The India Meteorological Department attributes the downpour to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, with forecasts indicating continued precipitation.
Transportation Severely Affected
The waterlogging has crippled suburban rail and Metro services while disrupting road traffic across the city. Flight operations at Kolkata airport face significant delays, with airlines issuing passenger advisories.
“Persistent and heavy rain may impact flights to and from Kolkata today. Please check your flight status at https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for your journey due to traffic and waterlogging,” Air India stated.
IndiGo advised passengers: “With heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected over Kolkata, we’re seeing a chance of delays and slower traffic to and from the airport. While we can’t control the skies, we’re doing everything possible to keep your journey steady on the ground. Please check your flight status and consider giving yourself a little cushion of time to reach the airport.”
Durga Puja Preparations at Risk
The timing poses particular challenges as Kolkata prepares for its annual Durga Puja festivities, with completed pandals potentially vulnerable to weather damage after months of preparation work.
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim expressed concern about the unprecedented situation. “There is so much water in my locality, too. I have never seen such a situation. The corporation is arranging food and shelter for the affected people. If it does not rain anymore, we expect the situation to return to by tonight.”
