Kolkata: At least eight people died in Kolkata on Tuesday as a seven-km cloudburst dumped 252mm of rain on the city over seven hours, leaving streets flooded and daily life paralyzed. The fatalities, all from electrocution, occurred when residents unknowingly came into contact with live wires in waterlogged areas.

Record-breaking rainfall and flooding

The rain began around 11:30 PM on Monday and ended by 6:30 AM Tuesday, with the heaviest spell from 3 AM to 4 AM, when the city recorded 98mm of rain. To put this in perspective, Kolkata’s annual average rainfall is 1,345mm, meaning nearly 20% of the yearly total fell in just seven hours.

Several localities in south Kolkata, including Ballygunge, Jodhpur Park, Kalighat, and Chetla, recorded over 260mm, while Garia received 332mm, the highest in the city. High tide compounded flooding, preventing water from receding until late evening.

“I have never seen rain like this. I feel so bad for the people who have lost their lives. It is so unfortunate,” said CM Mamata Banerjee.

Electrocution deaths and power outages

Electrocution deaths were reported from Ballygunge, Gariahat, Netaji Nagar, Behala, Ekbalpore, Haridevpur, Kabardanga, and Beniapukur. The state government held power utility CESC responsible, directing it to compensate victims’ families. CM Banerjee announced that families must be given jobs by CESC and additional assistance would be provided.

CESC officials noted:

  • Three deaths from lamp posts
  • One death from a traffic light post
  • Five deaths inside homes or factories

Power supply to over one lakh homes was cut until floodwaters receded.

Transport chaos and disruptions

Flooding caused severe traffic disruptions, with buses unable to ply and vehicles breaking down. Metro services were halted for 13 hours between Rabindra Sadan and Shahid Khudiram. The Maidan–Dakshineswar section resumed at 5:38 PM. Around 300 suburban trains were cancelled, and several long-distance trains rescheduled.

At Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, 87 flights were cancelled and over 71 delayed.

Impact on schools, offices, and Durga Puja preparations

The state announced Durga Puja holidays for Madhyamik board schools and requested ICSE and CBSE schools to remain closed for at least two days. Universities were asked to allow study/work from home.

Flooding also affected Durga Puja preparations, with several pandals damaged. Shops across the city remained shut, and footfall in malls was thin despite them being open.

Mayor Firhad Hakim said the city’s pumping stations can discharge around 20mm of water per hour, insufficient to handle 300mm of rainfall in such a short span, especially with overflowing canals and rising Hooghly river levels.

Looking ahead

The Alipore Met Office warned of another low-pressure formation over the Bay of Bengal, which could intensify into a depression and bring further rainfall later this week. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and exercise caution.