Intense overnight rain led to severe waterlogging in several areas of Kolkata, just days before the region’s major festival. The heavy rain disrupted traffic in various parts, causing significant inconvenience to residents.
At least 10 fatalities were reported due to the torrential downpour, which was one of the most intense in four decades, crippling West Bengal’s capital on Tuesday and affecting transport, education, and daily life, according to news agency PTI.
The rainfall, measuring 251.4 mm in under 24 hours, was the highest recorded in Kolkata since 1986 and ranks as the sixth-highest single-day rainfall in 37 years.
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Large sections of the city were submerged after the heavy rain, falling just two mm short of a cloudburst, struck the area. The timing couldn’t be worse, with Durga Puja, West Bengal’s largest festival, set to begin over the weekend.
Flights Cancelled, Railways Flooded
Numerous flights and trains faced delays or cancellations, impacting many travelers heading to the state for the festival.
Operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport were greatly affected on Tuesday, with adverse weather leading to the cancellation of 30 flights and delays in 42 others, as per a Kolkata Airport official.
Kolkata’s traffic was at a standstill with several roads submerged in water ranging from knee to waist-deep, stranding vehicles for hours at key junctions.
Eastern Railway stated, “Following last night’s prolonged heavy rain, waterlogging occurred at Howrah station yard, Sealdah South station yard, Chitpur North Cabin, and various car sheds in Sealdah yard. Water accumulated on railway lines in the Howrah & Sealdah Divisions. Pumps have been deployed to remove the water, but since adjacent areas are also flooded, water keeps returning to the railway yard, complicating the situation further.”
Unprecedented Rainfall
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern for the Durga Puja pandals and the citizens suffering in what should be the happiest time of the year in the City of Joy.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remarked, “I have never witnessed such rain. I learned that 7-8 people have died from electrocution, which is tragic. CESC Ltd. must provide jobs to the families of those affected. We will also extend whatever help we can. Even our homes are flooded; we are all affected.
“I am deeply concerned about the Pujo pandals as well. Isn’t it CESC’s responsibility to be more vigilant? They supply electricity, not us. It is their duty to prevent suffering. They should modernize their systems and send personnel to rectify this,” Banerjee stated, adding that she is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with the Police and the Chief Secretary.
