Kolkata is struggling under heavy rainfall just days before the Durga Puja festival. Torrential rains that began late Monday night and continued through Tuesday have left many parts of the city submerged. With knee-deep water reported in several neighborhoods, daily life has been disrupted. The situation has caused severe waterlogging, traffic chaos, and tragic loss of life.
IMD Predicts More Heavy Rains in South Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for several districts of South Bengal. According to officials, a low-pressure system has developed over the northeast Bay of Bengal. This system is expected to intensify, bringing more heavy to very heavy rains across the region. Districts like East Midnapore, West Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura are likely to face intense downpours over the next few days.
The forecast also suggests another low-pressure area may form around September 25 over the east-central Bay. If that system develops, it could prolong the rainfall during the festive season. For Kolkata, this means Durga Puja celebrations may be affected by continuous rain.
Howrah Yard Waterlogged, Five Dead
One of the worst-hit areas was the Howrah railway yard. Rainwater entered the yard and flooded tracks, creating dangerous conditions. Reports confirmed that five people lost their lives after water became electrified due to contact with live wires. The tragedy has raised concerns about safety measures during flooding. Railway authorities are now working to restore normal operations, but waterlogging continues to pose challenges.
Kolkata Metro Services Disrupted
The Kolkata Metro, often considered the lifeline of the city, also suffered disruptions. Waterlogging was reported between the Rabindra Sarobar and Netaji Bhavan sections of the Blue Line. Services were suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations as a precautionary step.
A metro spokesperson explained that safety of passengers was the priority. Trains are running in a limited manner between Dakshineswar and Maidan stations. Officials hope to restore full services soon, but water levels remain a problem.
Railway Operations Impacted
Eastern Railway faced major interruptions due to flooding on the tracks. Train services on the Sealdah South section were suspended after water covered large stretches of track. While the Sealdah North and main sections operated partially, delays were reported.
Howrah and Kolkata terminal stations were also affected. Trains were halted, rescheduled, or canceled, causing inconvenience to passengers. At Chitpur yard, circular railway services were stopped after waterlogging submerged the lines. These disruptions left thousands of commuters stranded across the city.
Kolkata Streets Underwater
The heavy rainfall caused widespread waterlogging across Kolkata. In many areas, water levels rose to knee height, making roads impassable. Vehicles were stuck for hours, and public transport struggled to move. Several schools declared holidays to ensure safety of students.
Airlines also issued advisories as bad weather disrupted flights. Passengers were advised to check schedules before traveling to the airport. Many residential colonies reported water entering houses, while several hospitals also faced flooding. RG Kar Hospital was among the worst affected, with rainwater entering its premises.
Rainfall Records Across Neighborhoods
Data from Kolkata Municipal Corporation highlighted the severity of the downpour. Garia Kamdahari received 332 millimeters of rain within a few hours. Jodhpur Park recorded 285 millimeters, while Kalighat received 280 millimeters. Topsia reported 275 millimeters and Ballygunge 264 millimeters. In north Kolkata, Thanthania recorded 195 millimeters of rainfall.
These numbers show the uneven but intense distribution of rain across the city. Southern and eastern parts of Kolkata were hit hardest, while northern areas faced moderate flooding. Officials warned that more rainfall could worsen the situation in coming days.
Life Disrupted Before Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the biggest festival in Kolkata, attracting millions of visitors every year. With the city already preparing pandals and decorations, the heavy rains have raised serious concerns. Flooded streets and disrupted transport could affect both preparations and celebrations.
For many residents, the joy of the festival has been overshadowed by worries about waterlogging and power outages. Shopkeepers and small businesses are also anxious, as bad weather could reduce sales during the crucial festive period.
Government and Municipal Response
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has deployed teams to pump out water from flooded streets. Emergency services are working round the clock to restore normalcy. Electric supply authorities are monitoring flooded areas to prevent electrocution accidents.
State officials have assured that relief measures are being taken, but citizens continue to complain about slow drainage and poor infrastructure. The opposition has criticized the administration for not being prepared despite repeated warnings from IMD.
Schools and Institutions Shut
As water levels rose across neighborhoods, several schools in Kolkata announced holidays. Authorities said that sending children to schools amid flooded roads could be risky. Many colleges and offices also witnessed low attendance as commuting became nearly impossible.
Educational institutions are expected to remain shut until the weather improves. Online classes are being considered by some schools to ensure academic activities are not completely halted.
Airlines Issue Travel Advisory
Bad weather conditions forced airlines to adjust their schedules. Several flights were delayed, while some were canceled due to heavy rains and poor visibility. Airlines issued advisories requesting passengers to check flight status before leaving for the airport.
The situation has caused inconvenience for travelers, especially those planning to leave the city ahead of Durga Puja holidays. Authorities said that further disruptions are possible if rains continue.
Bay of Bengal Low Pressure System
Meteorologists have linked the heavy rainfall to a low-pressure system in the northeast Bay of Bengal. According to IMD, this system is expected to move northwest, influencing weather across South Bengal. The possibility of another low-pressure system forming later this week raises fresh concerns.
IMD forecasts suggest that southern districts like East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas will receive more heavy showers. By Wednesday, other districts like Jhargram and Bankura could also face very heavy rainfall. Such conditions could continue during the Durga Puja celebrations, dampening the festive spirit.
Hospitals and Residential Areas Flooded
The flooding has not spared essential services. Hospitals like RG Kar Medical College saw water entering wards, creating difficulties for patients and staff. Ambulances were stuck in traffic, delaying emergency services.
Residential areas in southern and eastern Kolkata also faced severe waterlogging. Many families reported water entering ground-floor houses. Residents used pumps and buckets to clear water, but the continuous rainfall made it nearly impossible.
Civic Challenges and Infrastructure Concerns
The rains once again highlighted Kolkata’s weak drainage system. Despite repeated promises of improvement, waterlogging continues to paralyze the city whenever heavy rainfall occurs. Citizens have demanded better infrastructure and long-term planning to deal with monsoon challenges.
Experts suggest that rising urbanization and encroachment on water bodies have worsened flooding. Without serious steps, such problems may recur every year, especially during festivals.
Tragic Loss of Life
The most heartbreaking consequence of the rains has been the death of five people in Howrah yard. The incident, caused by electrocution, underlined the dangers of waterlogging combined with poor safety measures. Authorities have promised compensation for the victims’ families.
Residents have urged the government to take stricter steps to ensure such tragedies are avoided in the future. Proper monitoring of power lines and flooded areas could prevent similar accidents.
More Rain Expected in Coming Days
The IMD has made it clear that the rainfall is not over. With systems developing over the Bay of Bengal, heavy showers are likely to continue. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors when possible.
Emergency services are on alert, but the situation remains tense. The next few days will be crucial in determining how Kolkata copes with the combined challenges of heavy rain and festive preparations.
Kolkata’s ordeal with heavy rains has once again exposed the city’s vulnerability to waterlogging. From flooded homes and hospitals to disrupted metro and railway services, life has been thrown out of gear. The tragic deaths in Howrah yard add to the grim picture.
With IMD forecasting more rains and another low-pressure system forming soon, relief may not come quickly. For Kolkata, already preparing for Durga Puja, the downpour has cast a shadow on celebrations. The coming days will test the resilience of the city, its civic authorities, and its people.
