10 Dead As Rain Paralyses Kolkata Before Durga Puja, 100 Flights Affected

Heavy overnight rainfall has caused widespread waterlogging across several areas of Kolkata

Kolkata:

Tragic consequences have emerged following intense overnight rainfall in Kolkata and surrounding suburbs, with at least ten fatalities reported in rain-related incidents. Deaths occurred across various neighborhoods including Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, Ekbalpur, Behala, and Haridevpur – areas distributed throughout central and southern Kolkata. Electrocution was confirmed as the cause for at least three of these fatalities.

The Kolkata airport experienced severe operational disruptions, with over 100 flights affected. Sixty-two flights were cancelled outright, while another 42 faced delays as passengers struggled to reach the airport through waterlogged roads.

The flooding has significantly hampered transportation networks, affecting traffic flow as well as suburban rail and Metro services. Residents in low-lying areas have experienced water intrusion into their homes, resulting in property damage. Numerous educational institutions have declared a rain holiday in response.

Southern and eastern parts of the city recorded particularly high rainfall intensity. According to Kolkata Municipal Corporation data, Garia Kamdahari received 332 mm of precipitation within hours, followed by Jodhpur Park (285 mm), Kalighat (280 mm), Topsia (275 mm), and Ballygunge (264 mm).

Meteorological officials attribute this deluge to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Additional rainfall is anticipated in the coming hours. Data from the India Meteorological Department illustrates the exceptional volume of precipitation that fell within a concentrated timeframe.

This severe weather event comes just days before Kolkata's renowned annual Durga Puja celebrations. The city's elaborate puja pandals, which attract visitors globally, are largely complete, and organizers now face the challenge of protecting months of artistic preparation from potential water damage.

Waterlogged thoroughfares have created significant challenges for air travelers departing from Kolkata airport. Major carriers including Air India and IndiGo have issued travel advisories warning of potential delays. Visual evidence from the airport shows water accumulation on the tarmac.

Air India communicated: "Persistent and heavy rain may impact flights to and from Kolkata today. Please check your flight status at https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for your journey due to traffic and waterlogging."

Similarly, IndiGo advised: "With heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected over Kolkata, we're seeing a chance of delays and slower traffic to and from the airport. While we can't control the skies, we're doing everything possible to keep your journey steady on the ground."

"Please check your flight status and consider giving yourself a little cushion of time to reach the airport. We'll keep you posted and we're always around if you need help."

The disruptions at the airport also affect incoming travelers who had planned to join family for Durga Puja festivities.

Kolkata Mayor and senior Trinamool Congress leader Firhad Hakim expressed the unprecedented nature of the situation, stating, "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."

The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, a major electricity distributor in the city, has urged residents to avoid contact with electrical wires and poles in flooded areas.