Kolkata reels under record rainfall
Kolkata, Sept 23: Heavy overnight rainfall paralysed Kolkata on Monday, submerging large parts of the city under knee-deep water and causing the deaths of at least seven people by electrocution. The torrential downpour, measured at 251.4 mm in under 24 hours, was the heaviest since 1986, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Normal life was thrown out of gear as flights were cancelled, suburban train services were suspended, and the Metro saw partial disruptions due to waterlogging. Schools and colleges have been ordered shut for the next two days.
Fatal electrocutions spark outrage
The victims, including pedestrians and shopkeepers, were reportedly electrocuted after coming in contact with live wires submerged in floodwater. While most reports confirmed seven fatalities, some sources indicated that the number could be as high as nine across Kolkata and adjoining districts.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief and announced compensation for the families of the deceased, along with job assurance for one member of each affected household.
CM holds CESC responsible
Blaming the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) for negligence, Banerjee said unattended wires and poor ground management by the power utility contributed directly to the electrocutions. She demanded immediate modernisation of the supply network and stricter field inspections.
She also criticised the lack of proper dredging at the Farakka barrage and neglect of city canals and rivers, which she said had worsened the flooding. “Had waterways been maintained, the city would not have witnessed such devastation,” Banerjee remarked.
Transport and civic disruption
The deluge left Kolkata Airport struggling, with dozens of flights cancelled or delayed. South and central Kolkata faced severe waterlogging, affecting road transport and trapping buses and cars for hours. Suburban train services were suspended, while Metro operations faced interruptions.
The civic authorities, already under pressure due to Durga Puja preparations, deployed pumps and relief teams across the city. The state government has urged private offices to allow work-from-home until conditions improve.
Relief and next steps
The West Bengal government has announced immediate relief measures for flood-hit areas, including food packets, medical teams and temporary shelters. However, civic groups criticised both the state government and power authorities for failing to prepare for predictable monsoon flooding in Kolkata.
Experts have warned that continued neglect of drainage infrastructure, coupled with urban expansion, could make such disasters more frequent. The IMD has forecast more rainfall over the next 48 hours, keeping the city on high alert.