Kolkata, the City of Joy, has been hit by one of its heaviest spells of rain in years. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received 247.4 mm of rainfall in just one night, much higher than what it usually gets in three weeks. This Breaking News has caused massive flooding across the city, bringing daily life to a standstill just before the much-awaited Durga Puja festival.
This heavy downpour has now become one of the Daily news highlights in India, as the city struggles to recover from waterlogging, transport chaos, and tragic loss of lives.
Rainfall Numbers Show the Crisis
- From September 1 to September 22, Kolkata recorded 178.6 mm of rain, which was already 16% lower than the normal 213.7 mm.
- But in just 12 hours, the city received 247.4 mm, more than the entire previous three weeks.
- The IMD data showed that this was 2,663% higher than the long-term average for a single day in September.
This unusual spike in rain has left many areas waterlogged and has disrupted traffic, Metro services, and train schedules.
Impact on the City and People
The overnight rainfall led to severe waterlogging in key areas such as Ballygunge, Gariahat, Jadavpur, Alipore, and Mukundapur. Streets turned into rivers, and many houses were flooded. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation reported rainfall levels of 295 mm in Ballygunge, 262 mm in Gariahat, and 258 mm in Jadavpur.
The flooding has also caused tragic incidents. At least seven people lost their lives, some due to electrocution. In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Mayor Firhad Hakim appealed to residents to remain indoors. The Mayor further stated that it could take at least 12 hours to restore normalcy, provided no new rainfall occurs.
What Caused the Sudden Downpour?
Experts say the reason behind this extreme rainfall is a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal. This weather system has pushed heavy rain into several parts of Gangetic West Bengal, including Kolkata, Hooghly, and Howrah.
The IMD has also warned that the low-pressure system may persist for another 24 hours, which means Kolkata could face more rainfall. This prediction has left residents anxious, especially with Durga Puja preparations in full swing.
Six Hours of Non-Stop Rain
Most of the rainfall happened between 12 am and 6 am. In just six hours, the city witnessed rain so intense that roads, lanes, and even homes were submerged. People woke up to a flood-like situation, with cars stranded, buses unable to move, and public transport collapsing.
The IMD also reported that adjoining districts were heavily impacted:
- Howrah received 1,006% more rain than its average.
- North 24 Parganas received 857% more rainfall.
These figures show how extreme and unusual this weather event has been.
Kolkata Faces Challenges Ahead
This sudden flooding highlights the city’s poor drainage system, which has often been criticized for failing during heavy monsoon rains. As the city prepares for Durga Puja, the biggest cultural celebration of Bengal, officials fear further rainfall could cause serious disruptions.
Authorities are now:
- Deploying emergency response teams.
- Monitoring water levels in critical zones.
- Preparing shelters for affected families.
- Coordinating with the IMD for regular updates.
City on High Alert
This Latest News from Kolkata is a reminder of how extreme weather events are becoming more common in India. The Breaking News of sudden floods, loss of lives, and widespread disruption has raised urgent questions about climate resilience and disaster management in urban areas.
Kolkata is now on high alert. Rescue teams, municipal workers, and government agencies are working round the clock to manage the waterlogging and traffic chaos. The coming days will decide how quickly the city can return to normal life.
