Nine 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 deluge brought large parts of the city to a standstill, disrupting road traffic, suburban train movement, and Metro services. Several 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.
Disruptions at Kolkata Airport and Ahead of Durga Puja
The timing of the downpour has raised concerns for Durga Puja organisers, as pandals across the city face the risk of damage just days before the festival begins. (Photo: @MurtazaKhambaty/X)
The situation has also impacted air travel, with visuals showing waterlogging on the tarmac of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Both Air India and IndiGo issued advisories cautioning passengers about possible flight delays.
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Air India said, “Persistent and heavy rain may impact flights to and from Kolkata today. Please check your flight status… before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for your journey due to traffic and waterlogging.”
IndiGo added, “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.”
Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim described the situation as unprecedented. “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 normal by tonight,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation has urged residents to stay away from wires and electric poles submerged in waterlogged streets to prevent further accidents.
