Kolkata, on Tuesday, recorded its heaviest rainfall in 40 years. The heavy rain in the city caused severe waterlogging, flooding and traffic snarls. The downpour also caused several electrocutions, which resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people. The torrential rain has led to severe waterlogging in many areas, with floodwater entering residential complexes and markets, halting normal life. Train and Metro Rail services have been severely impacted, and several long-distance trains have been rescheduled, throwing travel plans into disarray.

On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that families of those who died after being electrocuted in stagnant water will be given financial assistance and offered jobs.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the rainfall “unprecedented” and offered condolences to families of those who lost their lives due to electrocution in waterlogged areas. The CM said that the state will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each family. She also assured a special home guard job to one of the family members of the deceased if CESC does not provide a job.

CM spoke to the family of one of the deceased on the phone on Wednesday morning. Mamata Banerjee announced financial assistance to the family members of the deceased while inaugurating a Durga Puja in the city. She said, “The state will provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each family of the deceased. I have told CESC to provide a job to one family member of the deceased, but if they do not provide it, the state will offer a special Home Guard job.”

Mamata blames power distribution company, asks CESC to compensate victims’ families

On Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee had hit out at the Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) for the electrocution deaths in Kolkata and the continuing power outage in large parts of the city. The CM has also instructed CESC to provide a compensation of Rs 5 lakh families of the deceased. She also demanded an explanation from the private power utility over safety lapses.

“CESC has to take the responsibility for these deaths. They should deploy more people. They are doing business here. But modernisation of facilities is being done in Rajasthan. Despite repeated reminders they are not taking it up here. I am tired of telling them,” the CM told local media.

Kolkata witnesses heaviest rainfall in 40 Years

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received 251.4 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours till Tuesday morning, marking the sixth-highest single-day downpour in 137 years. Southern and eastern neighbourhoods bore the worst impact, with Garia logging 332 mm and Jodhpur Park 285 mm of rain. Localities such as Park Circus, Kankurgachi, and Behala were left submerged under knee-to-waist-deep water.

IMD Forecast: More Rain Likely

Meteorologists attributed the extreme rainfall to a low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining north Odisha, and the Bay of Bengal. Another system is expected to form on September 25 and may cross the south Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coast by September 27.
The IMD has forecast widespread light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers over south Bengal, including Kolkata, for the rest of the week.

Situation under control, water will subside soon: Mamata Banerjee

Talking about waterlogging in Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday, “The situation has come under control to a large extent. The water has receded in most areas. There is still water in some places in the low-lying areas, which is expected to subside soon.”
She also took a jibe at the central government, saying, “DVC, Maithon, Farakka Barrage released water. Meanwhile, the Ganga is in high tide. However, the Kolkata Municipality has done a very good job.”

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