Kolkata Drenched in Biblical Flood
West Bengal’s capital faced a torrential downpour today, turning streets into rivers and disrupting daily life. The unprecedented rainfall brought the city to a near-standstill, and severe electrocution incidents claimed seven lives. Homes and streets alike were submerged as water levels rose dramatically.
Heaviest Rainfall in South and East Kolkata
The rainstorm affected areas from Baniapukur to Netaji Nagar and Ekbalpur, with southern and eastern neighborhoods most impacted. According to Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials:
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Garfa Kamduni recorded 332 mm of rain in a few hours.
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Jodhpur Park: 285 mm, Kalighat: 280 mm, Topsia: 275 mm, Ballygunge: 264 mm, and Thantania (north): 195 mm.
Many streets turned into impassable rivers, causing severe disruption to residents.
Public Transport Grounded
The city’s transportation network was crippled: Metro services faced disruptions, trains halted, and roads became dangerous waterways. With Durga Puja festivities approaching their peak, several pandals were damaged by the floodwaters, dampening the festive mood in many homes.
Meteorological Cause and Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the flooding to a low-pressure system over the northeastern Bay of Bengal, moving northwest. Forecasters warned of continued very heavy rainfall in southern Bengal districts, including East and West Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura. Light showers may follow in the coming days, but the threat of heavy rain remains.
Rescue Operations Underway
Despite the widespread flooding, rescue teams are actively working to safeguard residents and mitigate hazards, such as live electrical wires submerged in water. The catastrophe highlights the city’s infrastructural vulnerabilities as Kolkata struggles to recover from the ongoing deluge.