Heavy Rains Paralyse Kolkata Ahead of Festivities
Kolkata, the “City of Joy,” was battered by an intense spell of overnight rain that left its streets waterlogged and life severely disrupted. The deluge, arriving just days before the city’s world-famous Durga Puja celebrations, caused the deaths of at least seven people across Kolkata and its suburbs. The casualties were reported from Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, Ekbalpur, Behala, and Haridevpur — areas spread across central and southern parts of the city. At least three of the deaths were attributed to electrocution, highlighting the deadly mix of flooding and exposed electrical infrastructure.
Flight Operations Hit Hard
The downpour brought chaos to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, where flight operations were thrown into disarray. A senior official confirmed that 30 flights were cancelled, while another 42 faced delays due to waterlogging on the tarmac and surrounding roads. Passengers struggled to reach the airport because of paralyzed traffic and flooded streets.
Air India and IndiGo issued advisories warning fliers to anticipate further delays. Air India urged passengers to check flight statuses before leaving for the airport and to allow extra time for their journey. IndiGo echoed the advisory, stressing that while weather is beyond control, efforts are being made to maintain stability on the ground. The situation has also inconvenienced passengers flying into Kolkata for Durga Puja, many of whom risk missing family reunions and celebrations.
https://t.co/ZIA4Oc6pkr year after year the same thing happens !
Just imagine the level of corruption— Ayan Maikap (@Anindit27658436) September 23, 2025
Public Transport and Daily Life Disrupted
The torrential rain not only crippled air travel but also slowed down Kolkata’s road, suburban rail, and Metro services. Long traffic snarls stretched across several arterial roads, while buses and taxis navigated inundated stretches. In low-lying neighborhoods, water entered homes, damaging household goods and prompting evacuations. Several schools declared rain holidays as a precautionary measure, leaving parents scrambling to adjust schedules.
The southern and eastern belts of the city bore the brunt of the rainfall. According to Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) data, Garia Kamdahari recorded a staggering 332 mm of rainfall in a few hours. Jodhpur Park registered 285 mm, Kalighat 280 mm, Topsia 275 mm, and Ballygunge 264 mm, making this one of the heaviest short bursts of rain in recent memory.
Meteorological Department’s Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the intense rainfall to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Forecasts suggest the possibility of continued showers, raising concerns over further disruption. Graphs released by the IMD showed how Kolkata received extremely heavy rainfall in just a few hours, overwhelming the city’s drainage capacity.
Durga Puja Preparations Under Threat
The timing of the downpour has added to the anxiety of Durga Puja organisers. Pandal construction across the city is in its final stages, and organisers fear that persistent rain could damage months of creative work. Durga Puja, Kolkata’s biggest cultural and religious event, attracts global visitors, and waterlogging threatens to dampen the spirit of festivities.
Volunteers and committees are working around the clock to protect decorations, idols, and structures from further water damage. For many, the festival represents not just faith but also livelihoods, as artisans, decorators, and vendors depend on the grand celebrations for income.
Administration’s Response
Kolkata Mayor and senior Trinamool Congress leader Firhad Hakim acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the crisis. “There is so much water in my locality, too. I have never seen such a situation. The corporation is arranging food and shelter for the affected people. If it does not rain anymore, we expect the situation to return to normal by tonight,” Hakim said.
Meanwhile, the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) has appealed to residents to stay away from wires, poles, and transformers in waterlogged areas to avoid electrocution. Emergency response teams have been deployed to restore normalcy and clear waterlogged streets.
Looking Ahead
With the IMD predicting more rain, the next 24 hours remain crucial for Kolkata. Authorities are racing to pump out water, ensure public safety, and prevent further casualties. For residents, however, the downpour has once again underscored the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and inadequate drainage systems.
As Kolkata braces for its beloved Durga Puja, citizens and officials alike hope the skies clear soon, allowing the city to recover and welcome the festival with its usual grandeur.
