Record rainfall floods Kolkata and disrupts Durga Puja preparations

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, was hit by a spell of torrential rain that left large parts of the city waterlogged and disrupted preparations for Durga Puja, according to authorities. The downpour — intense in south and central Kolkata — brought streets and low-lying neighbourhoods under water, forcing the closure of schools and the suspension of several transport services. Emergency teams have been deployed to clear drains and restore power where possible.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded exceptionally heavy rainfall in short periods at several observatories, with Alipore reporting one of the highest three‑hour totals in recent decades. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation reported extreme readings at several stations in the southern part of the city, which account for many of the worst-affected neighbourhoods. Local hospitals treated dozens of patients for water-related injuries and electrocution incidents.

Officials warned residents to avoid non-essential travel and to stay away from submerged areas until waters recede and power supplies are secured. With Bengali Hindus' Durga Puja festivals scheduled to begin in the coming days, pandal committees and local authorities are coordinating to assess structural damage and repair public utilities before the main celebrations, while bracing for further vagaries of the Kolkata weather.

Impact on daily life and transport

Several arterial roads were rendered impassable as drains overflowed, stranding vehicles and halting morning traffic. The city’s metro services reported waterlogging at some stations on the southern lines, prompting temporary suspensions. Local bus services were delayed or rerouted, causing significant disruptions to commuters' daily routines.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation and state agencies set up relief centres for people affected by flooding. Drain-clearing machines and pumping units were deployed to expedite the removal of water from key thoroughfares. Electricity supply was disrupted in parts of the city, and power authorities warned residents about the risks associated with submerged electrical installations.

Why the rain was so heavy

Meteorologists said the heavy rain was associated with a low-pressure system over the northeast Bay of Bengal, which drew moisture into coastal West Bengal and produced intense bursts of precipitation in a short period. Experts emphasised that such intense three-hour spells can overwhelm urban drainage systems designed for more moderate downpours, especially when drains are clogged or inadequately maintained.

The IMD forecast further spells of heavy rain over southern West Bengal in the days ahead, advising residents and festival organisers to factor the risk of additional rainfall into their plans. Authorities urged the public to follow official advisories and report hazards, such as downed power lines or collapsed structures, to emergency services promptly.