Kolkata Weather: Kolkata experienced torrential rain from Monday night to Tuesday morning, bringing the entire city to a standstill. The continuous downpour, which lasted for hours, not only disrupted people’s daily routines but also led to tragic accidents. Heavy waterlogging and electrocution claimed the lives of at least ten people. Most of them had waded through water in their homes and on the streets, only to be electrocuted.
Water in the Heart of the City
When people emerged from their homes in the morning, the scene was shocking. From Lake Market, Rashbehari, and Patuli in South Kolkata to Nagerbazar and Bosepukur Talbagan in the northern part, the water level was knee-deep in some areas, and waist-deep in others. The situation was even worse in Thanthania, where the roads seemed to turn into canals. In Bosepukur Talbagan, pandals were submerged in water after five hours of continuous rain, severely impacting Durga Puja preparations.
Schools and Offices Impacted
The waterlogging had a major impact on everyday life. Schools appealed to parents to keep their children at home for the time being. Pool car services were cancelled as vehicles parked on the roads were submerged. Meanwhile, many offices allowed employees to work from home to avoid getting stranded on the roads.
Rail and Metro Networks Disrupted
The disaster hit Kolkata’s transportation system hardest. Important railway yards and car sheds, such as Howrah and Sealdah, were completely submerged. Eastern Railway had to cancel several trains. Suburban train services were suspended, and traffic on the Sealdah South and Circular lines was completely halted. Passengers faced double the hardship as roads were impassable and trains were unable to operate. Important trains, such as the Hazarduari Express and Sealdah-Jangipur Express, were cancelled. The metro tracks were also flooded, forcing commuters to seek alternative modes of transport.
Rainfall Records Break
According to the Meteorological Department, record-breaking rainfall was recorded in many areas by 5:30 am. Kamdahari (Garia) recorded 332 mm of rain, Jodhpur Park 285 mm, and Kalighat 280 mm. Topsia in Alipore received 275 mm of rain. The northern areas also saw no less rainfall. Ultadanga received 207 mm of rain, and Thanthania 195 mm. These figures show that just a few hours of rain left no stone unturned in devastating the city.
Durga Puja Preparations Disrupted
The Durga Puja pandals, considered the heartbeat of Kolkata, were also not spared by the rain. Many large pandals in South and Central Kolkata were flooded. Organizers had to work overnight to prevent damage to the pandals. In many places, water reached the idols, increasing the worries of both devotees and artisans.
Life at a standstill, hopes remain unfulfilled
The rain has brought Kolkata to a grinding halt. Roads resemble rivers, vehicles are idle, rail services are halted, and people are confined to their homes. Yet, despite this, city residents are refusing to give up hope. Relief and rescue operations are underway. The administration is working to drain out the water, and the Meteorological Department has predicted a gradual improvement in the situation over the next 24 hours.