Kolkata Crippled by Record Rainfall Just Days Before Durga Puja
Floodwater entered several buildings and residential complexes across Kolkata as heavy rain, which began after midnight, submerged roads and caused widespread waterlogging.
Heavy overnight rains brought Kolkata to a standstill on Tuesday, flooding large parts of the city and severely disrupting daily life just ahead of Durga Puja. In one of the heaviest downpours in recent years, the city recorded 185 mm of rain in just three hours, with Alipore logging a staggering 247.5 mm over 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
At least nine people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including five due to electrocution in waterlogged areas. The deluge led to massive traffic snarls, waterlogged roads and neighbourhoods, and disrupted rail, Metro, and air services. Over 30 flights were cancelled as visuals showed the Kolkata airport runway and apron area waterlogged, prompting airlines like IndiGo to issue travel advisories and urge passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Metro services were partially suspended due to flooding on the tracks between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations, with operations limited to the Dakshineswar–Maidan stretch. Several long-distance trains, including the Kolkata-Amritsar Express and Kolkata-Jammu Tawi Express, were rescheduled, while suburban rail services from Howrah and Sealdah faced delays and early terminations due to flooded tracks.
Among the worst-hit areas were Garia Kamdahari (332 mm), Jodhpur Park (285 mm), Kalighat (280.2 mm), Ballygunge (264 mm), and Chetla (262 mm). Water entered homes, markets, and even Durga Puja pandals, forcing residents to evacuate ground floors and hampering last-minute festival preparations.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled her scheduled Durga Puja inaugurations and official engagements, citing the severe waterlogging across the city. Calcutta University also postponed all exams scheduled for September 24 and 25, and schools and colleges have been ordered shut.
The IMD has warned of more heavy rainfall across South Bengal districts in the coming days due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, with another system likely to develop around September 25.
With Durga Puja around the corner, Kolkata continues to battle the aftermath of this record-breaking spell, as authorities rush to restore normalcy in the soaked city.