Kolkata Faces Severe Flooding Amidst Heavy Rainfall Ahead of Durga Puja

Kolkata's Rainfall and Flooding Situation

Between September 1 and September 22, Kolkata recorded 178.6 mm of rainfall, which is 16% lower than the normal 213.7 mm expected during this period. From 8:30 AM yesterday to 8:30 AM today, the city experienced 247.4 mm of rain, predominantly falling during the night hours. These statistics from the Indian Meteorological Department highlight the severity of the heavy rainfall in Kolkata just days before the annual Durga Puja festivities. In just a few hours, the city received more rain than it typically does over 22 days this month. The torrential downpour has led to significant flooding in various areas, disrupting traffic, train, and metro services.

Efforts to Restore Normalcy

Following the heavy rains, efforts are underway to restore normalcy in Kolkata. Flooding persists in parts of Salt Lake and the northern and central areas of the city. Tragically, the downpour resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals just a day prior, bringing daily life to a standstill. The weather department has ruled out the possibility of heavy rain in the next 24 hours, although it predicts overcast skies with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas.

Ongoing Challenges and Government Response

Water has been drained from Kolkata and surrounding low-lying areas overnight, but residents of Bidhannagar continue to grapple with flooding, with vehicles moving slowly and pedestrians navigating submerged streets. To prevent accidents, the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation kept streetlights off on Tuesday evening. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee postponed her scheduled inauguration of Durga Puja pandals due to the adverse weather conditions. She is expected to visit the pandals and inaugurate a newly constructed fire station in Kalighat on Wednesday. Officials noted that while floodwaters are gradually receding, restoring normal life before the festive season remains a pressing challenge for the administration.

Monitoring Weather Conditions

In light of the potential for further rainfall, authorities will closely monitor the situation in Kolkata and nearby districts. The heavy rains on Monday night resulted in at least 10 fatalities, with nine deaths attributed to electrocution, marking one of the heaviest rainfall events in nearly four decades. This deluge disrupted air, rail, and road transport, led to the closure of educational institutions, and prompted the state government to declare early holidays for Durga Puja. The 251.4 mm of rain recorded in less than 24 hours is the highest since 1986 and ranks as the sixth highest rainfall in a single day over the past 137 years.