September 24, 2025

Kolkata faced a crazy, nonstop rainstorm that brought the city to a standstill! Overnight downpours drenched large parts of Kolkata and its surrounding areas, causing huge waterlogging and traffic jams. Water flooded homes and residential complexes, with Garia Kamdahari getting drenched in an unbelievable 332 mm of rain in just a few hours—talk about a heavy shower! Tragically, the rain caused at least seven people to die from electrocution, turning joy into sorrow. Train and Metro services across the city and suburbs were badly hit because of waterlogged tracks. Commuters found it very tough to travel as public transport services were delayed or stopped. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stepped forward with strong words. She called the rain "unprecedented" and slammed the poor dredging of the Farakka Barrage, blaming water problems on this and "lapses" by the power company CESC. "Even our houses are submerged; we are all suffering. I am feeling so bad for the Pujo pandals as well," she said. Out of concern for public safety, she asked schools to declare holidays and advised office workers to stay home. The CM added, "I am in constant touch with the Mayor, Chief Secretary, and the police. Farakka is not dredged properly, so every time it rains in Bihar, UP, Uttarakhand, Mumbai, Delhi, everywhere there is waterlogging. This time the rain is slightly unusual." She expressed deep sadness for the people who lost their lives, saying she has never seen rains like this before. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that the city and South Bengal are not out of the woods yet. A low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal is likely to bring more heavy showers. Apart from Kolkata, districts like Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura should prepare for heavy rain till Wednesday. Some stats from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) show how much water fell: 285 mm in Jodhpur Park, 280 mm in Kalighat, 275 mm in Topsia, 264 mm in Ballygunge, and 195 mm in Thantania. Waterlogged tracks forced partial shutdowns at Howrah and Kolkata terminals, and even the Circular Railway line is suspended due to flooding at Chitpur yard. With more rain expected soon, Kolkata is bracing itself for tough days ahead. Citizens and officials alike hope the flooding and misery ease soon, but for now, the city is soaked in one of its heaviest rains ever.

Read More at Economictimes →

Tags: Heavy rainfall, Kolkata floods, Mamata banerjee, Waterlogging, Train disruption, Imd forecast,