Five people dead due to heavy rains in Kolkata, Metro and railway services disrupted, major roads waterlogged. The Meteorological Department has warned of rain for the next 24 hours. Schools and offices affected.
Kolkata Rain Alert: Heavy rainfall continuously since Tuesday night in Kolkata and its surrounding areas has completely disrupted daily life. Waterlogging, flood-like conditions, and impact on transportation in the city have multiplied people's difficulties. This rain, occurring during a major festival like Durga Puja, has also dampened the festive atmosphere.
Growing Concerns Due to Five Deaths
So far, five people have died in Kolkata due to heavy rainfall. Continuous rain has inundated homes and residential areas. This has not only disrupted normal life but has also raised serious concerns about people's safety. Many families have been forced to evacuate their homes.
Rail and Metro Services Halted
The heaviest impact of the rain has been on transport services. Operations on Kolkata Metro Railway's Blue Line (Dakshineswar–Shahid Khudiram) have been disrupted. Services were completely stopped due to waterlogging between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations. Considering passenger safety, the Metro has suspended operations between Maidan and Shahid Khudiram stations. However, a limited service is operational from Dakshineswar to Maidan, and officials state that efforts are underway to restore normal operations soon.
Railway services have also been severely affected. Trains have completely stopped in the Sealdah South section due to waterlogging on the tracks. Only a few trains are running in the Sealdah North and main sections. The operation of several trains from Howrah and Kolkata terminals has also been impacted. Services on the Circular Railway line have also been halted due to waterlogging in Chitpur Yard.
Flood-like Conditions on Roads
Daily life has come to a standstill on Kolkata's major roads due to waterlogging. Office-goers faced traffic jams and a shortage of public transport since morning. Buses and auto-rickshaws got stuck in water in several places. Cab services operating in the city were also affected, forcing commuters to wait for hours.
Schools Closed and Children's Studies Affected
Considering the heavy rainfall and waterlogging, several schools in Kolkata have declared holidays. This sudden situation has impacted children's education. Parents are also concerned about their children's safety as waterlogging persists in many parts of the city.
Record-Breaking Rain Increases Difficulties
According to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), record levels of rainfall have been recorded in several areas of the city. Garia Kamdhari received 332 mm of rain in a few hours, Jodhpur Park 285 mm, and Kalighat 280 mm. Topsia recorded 275 mm and Ballygunge 264 mm of rain. The Thanthania area of North Kolkata received 195 mm of rainfall. Such heavy rainfall has also exposed the weaknesses of the drainage system.
Meteorological Department's Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that due to a Low pressure area formed over the northeastern Bay of Bengal, heavy rainfall may continue for the next 24 hours in several districts of South Bengal. Heavy rainfall is predicted for Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura districts. The IMD also stated that another low pressure area might develop around September 25 over the east-central and northern Bay of Bengal, which could prolong the spell of rain.
