Kolkata experienced a night of relentless rainfall that has left large parts of the city struggling with severe waterlogging. The downpour, which began late in the evening, intensified overnight and continued into the early hours, disrupting normal life across both North and South Kolkata. According to reports, North Kolkata recorded nearly 200 millimetres of rainfall, while South Kolkata received around 180 millimetres, making it one of the heaviest spells of the season so far.
The sudden and intense rainfall caused waterlogging in several residential areas and on important roads, creating major hurdles for office-goers and schoolchildren during the morning rush. Streets across Dum Dum, Shyambazar, Ultadanga, Tollygunge, Garia, and Ballygunge were submerged, forcing commuters to wade through knee-deep water. The traffic situation worsened with vehicles moving slowly or breaking down in flooded stretches, leading to long jams in multiple areas. Public transport, including buses and auto rickshaws, struggled to operate, adding to the woes of daily passengers.
Residents of low-lying neighbourhoods reported water entering their homes, while shopkeepers in some markets faced losses due to damaged goods. Local businesses, especially in areas like Burrabazar and Gariahat, were impacted as waterlogged streets kept customers away. The heavy rain also caused power cuts in certain pockets, with electricity supply disrupted as a precautionary measure to avoid accidents in waterlogged areas.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has deployed pumps in several parts of the city to drain out accumulated water. Emergency teams were working through the morning to clear drains and remove obstructions. Officials have urged citizens to remain cautious, especially in areas with open drains and electric poles submerged in water. Despite the efforts, the scale of waterlogging suggests that it may take several hours for the situation to improve if the rainfall continues.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that the city and its adjoining districts may continue to receive moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 24 to 48 hours. This raises concerns about a further rise in water levels in already affected areas. The weather department attributed the sudden spell of heavy rain to an active monsoon trough passing through the region, coupled with moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal.
For daily commuters, the situation has become extremely challenging, with many office workers facing delays or forced to stay back at home. Schools in certain areas reported low attendance due to the difficulty of reaching campuses through flooded roads. Many citizens took to social media to highlight their experiences, sharing images of flooded streets and vehicles stuck in water.
The rains, while a relief from the humid weather, have once again exposed the city’s long-standing struggle with drainage infrastructure. Experts note that despite repeated promises of improved systems, heavy downpours continue to paralyze the city every monsoon season. With more rainfall expected in the coming days, authorities face the urgent task of preventing prolonged flooding and minimizing disruptions to public life.
Kolkata now braces for another spell of showers, with residents hoping that water levels recede soon and life returns to normalcy.
