Kolkata experienced severe weather conditions on Tuesday as heavy rains battered the city, leading to widespread disruption. Flights were cancelled, metro services were impacted, and vehicles were stranded due to waterlogging across West Bengal. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain alert for the state, expected to last until Friday, September 26.
The meteorological department’s bulletin indicated that widespread light to moderate rainfall, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers, is predicted for southern Bengal due to a low-pressure area. In response to the severe weather, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directed that schools be closed two days earlier than scheduled for the Durga Puja celebrations, with colleges being advised to conduct classes online. Education minister Bratya Basu confirmed that all government educational institutions would be closed on September 24 and 25.
Rain Cripples Kolkata Ahead of Pujo
Kolkata recorded its heaviest rainfall in nearly four decades on Tuesday, severely impacting daily life and commute. The intense downpour, with officials reporting rain at 98mm per hour, significantly disrupted preparations for the Durga Puja festivities. The city’s infrastructure was overwhelmed, with water entering homes and damaging some popular puja pandals.
Metro Rail and Flight Operations Affected
Commuters faced significant challenges as rain pounded Kolkata. Waterlogging on sections of the Kolkata Metro’s Blue Line caused service disruptions. Suburban train services also experienced impacts on the Sealdah South, Sealdah North, and Main lines. Train services at Howrah and Kolkata stations faced partial delays due to waterlogged tracks.
Flight operations were heavily disrupted, with over 90 cancellations and a similar number of delays reported by evening. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport saw approximately 42 incoming and 49 outgoing flights cancelled.
Chief Minister’s Response
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock at the intensity of the rain and the resulting damage. She reported that ten people had died, with nine fatalities attributed to electrocution from exposed wires. Two additional deaths were reported in adjoining areas of North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. Sadly, another person succumbed to electrocution on the southern outskirts of Kolkata, bringing the total death toll to 11. Banerjee also announced the advance closure of state-run educational institutions for Durga Puja holidays, starting from Wednesday, September 24.