At least seven people lost their lives on Tuesday as relentless overnight rainfall battered Kolkata, paralysing daily life and crippling essential transport networks. The city recorded severe waterlogging across multiple neighbourhoods, forcing authorities to suspend metro services, delay flights, and divert road traffic, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more heavy showers through Wednesday.
Fatalities and Emergency Response
Officials confirmed that the seven deaths were largely due to electrocution and rain-related mishaps in waterlogged areas. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, alongside disaster management teams, has activated control rooms and dispatched emergency units to the worst-hit zones. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid flooded streets, and report electrical hazards immediately.
Local reports described waist-deep water in several low-lying areas, submerging vehicles and making many roads impassable. Emergency crews have been working continuously to pump out water and restore traffic flow, though heavy inflow from ongoing showers continues to overwhelm drainage systems.
Flights, Metro, and Rail Services Disrupted
Air travel was severely affected, with airlines including Air India and IndiGo issuing passenger advisories. Travellers were warned to expect delays and advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport. Authorities also recommended allowing for buffer time due to flooded approach roads leading to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation suspended operations on certain stretches after water seeped into underground sections, raising safety concerns. Suburban rail services faced cancellations and diversions, while several long-distance trains were rescheduled. Bus services operated but were delayed, with many routes altered due to submerged underpasses and blocked intersections.
IMD Forecast: More Rain Ahead
According to the IMD, Kolkata recorded intense rainfall in the past 24 hours, with some monitoring stations logging totals well above seasonal averages. Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and heavy downpours are forecast to continue across South Bengal districts, raising concerns of further flooding and disruptions.
The IMD has urged local authorities to remain on high alert, warning that low-lying regions may continue to face waterlogging. Residents have been asked to exercise caution, particularly during lightning storms and windy spells.
Civic Challenges and Festival Preparations
The extreme weather has come at a sensitive time, just ahead of Durga Puja, when Kolkata usually sees heightened traffic, elaborate pandal setups, and increased commercial activity. Several Puja preparations were reported submerged under water, with organisers scrambling to restore structures and drainage around major pandals.
Urban planners and civic activists noted that the incident once again exposed the vulnerabilities of Kolkata’s drainage infrastructure, which struggles to cope with sudden, high-intensity rainfall. Critics pointed to the urgent need for long-term flood-mitigation measures, including better stormwater management and timely desilting of drainage channels.
Safety Advisory for Residents and Travellers
Authorities have issued the following guidance for citizens and visitors:
Avoid walking through flooded streets, particularly near electrical installations, to reduce risk of electrocution.
Monitor weather bulletins and IMD updates for the latest advisories.
Check flight and train schedules before travelling, as delays and cancellations are expected to continue.
Keep emergency numbers handy and stay updated through official civic alerts.
Looking Ahead
As the city struggles to recover from the immediate impact of the downpour, officials are focusing on restoring normalcy in transport services, clearing clogged drains, and resuming electricity in affected localities. With forecasts predicting more rainfall, preparedness and swift response will be crucial to prevent further tragedies.
For now, Kolkata remains on edge — a city grappling with grief and disruption, while bracing for the possibility of more rain in the days ahead.