All schools in Kolkata remained closed today, September 23, after heavy overnight rainfall led to concerns over student safety. The decision was taken by administrators as the city experienced intense showers linked to a low-pressure system over the northeast Bay of Bengal.
Students and parents have been advised to stay in contact with school authorities for updates regarding holidays and the reopening schedule. The city’s southern and eastern parts recorded particularly heavy rainfall overnight, disrupting daily life.
IMD Forecasts Heavy Rain in South Bengal Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal is expected to move northwestwards, bringing widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy downpours in some districts of South Bengal.
According to forecasts, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura districts are likely to receive heavy rain till Wednesday.
Meanwhile, seven people lost their lives in Kolkata and its suburbs after heavy overnight rainfall led to widespread waterlogging across the city. The deaths occurred in separate incidents in Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, Ekbalpur, Behala, and Haridevpur, with at least three caused by electrocution.
The massive rainfall and the subsequent waterlogging brought large parts of the city to a standstill, disrupting road traffic, suburban train movement, and Metro services.
Many low-lying areas reported water entering homes, damaging property, and forcing schools to declare rain holidays.
According to data from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Garia Kamdahari recorded 332 mm of rainfall in just a few hours, followed by Jodhpur Park at 285 mm, Kalighat at 280 mm, Topsia at 275 mm, and Ballygunge at 264 mm. The weather office attributed the downpour to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, warning of further rain in the coming hours.
