At least 12 people died as heavy rains lashed Kolkata and surrounding areas in eastern India, causing widespread flooding, transport disruption, and leaving residents stranded just days before the major Hindu festival, Durga Puja. The deluge has also damaged festival pandals and clay idols across the city.
Intense rainfall and casualties
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received as much as 251.6 mm (9.9 inches) of rain in 24 hours, marking the heaviest downpour since 1988. Most of the rain fell during the early hours of Tuesday, bringing Kolkata to a virtual standstill.
Police reported nine deaths in Kolkata, primarily due to electrocution, and two people drowned in floodwaters. One additional fatality occurred in the surrounding areas, bringing the death toll to at least 12.
Disruption to transport and power
The heavy rainfall submerged roads under waist-deep water, stranding vehicles and forcing residents to wade through flooded streets. Road, rail, and air traffic were severely disrupted, with several trains and flights delayed or cancelled. Power outages affected multiple areas for several hours, compounding difficulties for residents.
Authorities deployed water pumps to clear streets and railway tracks, while relief operations, including food distribution and emergency services, were initiated. Schools and other educational institutions were closed on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the festival holidays starting Friday.
Damage to Durga Puja preparations
Preparations for Durga Puja, West Bengal’s largest annual festival, suffered major setbacks. Temporary structures known as pandals, made with bamboo and other materials, were damaged, and clay idols of deities were affected across the city.
Local residents expressed frustration at the scale of disruption. “I got stranded in my hotel as my flight got cancelled and the roads were all waterlogged,” said Ranjan Panda, a water and climate expert. Another resident, Sandip Ghosh, told ANI, “This should not have happened after four hours of rain. West Bengal is not in a good condition.”
Forecast and government response
The IMD has predicted more rainfall in Kolkata and other parts of eastern India over the next few days due to a low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution as water levels gradually recede in low-lying areas.
Officials said conditions are expected to normalize by Wednesday evening. Relief teams continue to work to restore normalcy, ensuring that essential services are functional and festival preparations can resume.