Kolkata’s streets and homes were submerged following unprecedented overnight rainfall, just days before the city is set to begin its biggest festival, Durga Puja. The deluge has claimed at least seven lives due to electrocution in separate incidents. The incessant downpour, which began late Monday night, has brought the city to a standstill, leaving citizens grappling with widespread waterlogging and traffic chaos.
Record Rainfall and Widespread Disruption
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Kolkata experienced an extraordinary 185 mm of rain in a mere three hours—one of the highest single-day rainfall records in recent years. The Alipore observatory recorded a staggering 247.5 mm of rain in a 24-hour period, a clear indication of the intensity of the downpour.
The torrential rain has led to severe waterlogging in many areas, with floodwater entering residential complexes and markets, halting normal life. Train and Metro services have been severely impacted, and several long-distance trains have been rescheduled, throwing travel plans into disarray.
Civic Life Paralyzed and Transport Halted
The city’s transport infrastructure bore the brunt of the deluge. Metro services were suspended between the Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations after waterlogging between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations. Truncated services are currently operating only between Dakshineswar and Maidan as Metro authorities work to pump out the water.
In a striking example of the transportation crisis, residents and office-goers in the Kankurgachi area resorted to using improvised trolleys to cross the waterlogged streets, paying up to Rs 100 for a ride. This highlights the desperation and chaos faced by commuters navigating the flooded city.
Safety Concerns Rise Ahead of Festive Season
The seven electrocution deaths have underscored the significant safety risks posed by the combination of heavy rain and inadequate infrastructure. As the city gears up for the grand Durga Puja celebrations, authorities and residents are on high alert, with concerns mounting over public safety in the face of persistent waterlogging and potential electrical hazards. The festive spirit has been dampened by the grim reality of the disaster, raising questions about the city’s preparedness for extreme weather events.