Festive Cheer Drowned by Unprecedented Rain
Kolkata’s festive mood was overshadowed as heavy rains paralyzed the city, leaving streets waterlogged and public services disrupted just days before Durga Puja. At least seven people lost their lives, several due to electrocution, while residents struggled to navigate submerged roads and interrupted transport networks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the deluge to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, warning of continued showers across south Bengal.
Schools, Exams, and Daily Life Disrupted
The city’s education sector faced sudden upheaval. Numerous schools had to cancel half-yearly exams at the last minute, leaving parents and students scrambling. Abhijit Roy, a Behala resident, described the chaos: “My daughter had her exam today. The school notified us at 5 a.m. that it was cancelled. The rescheduled date is yet to be announced. It is a rainy day.” The abrupt disruptions added stress to an already tense festive preparation period.
Safety Concerns Amid Celebrations
As Durga Puja pandals were being decorated, electrocution risks heightened, particularly in Tollygunge and Ballygunge. Residents urged committees to ensure proper insulation of electrical wiring. At least three deaths from electrocution have already been reported, while ongoing power outages left neighborhoods in the dark, compounding the hazards posed by floodwaters. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) for the fatalities, demanding accountability and offering jobs for the families of the deceased.
Transport and Connectivity Chaos
Public transport ground to a halt. Metro services were suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan after tracks were inundated, while road networks across Alipore and Howrah remained submerged. Commuters were forced to rely on app-based cabs, with fares doubling or even tripling. Many rides were cancelled as drivers avoided waterlogged streets. Sales professional Mainak Dutta recounted, “Cabs kept cancelling. Finally, I gave up and informed my manager that I would work from home.”
Train operations and flights were also disrupted. IndiGo issued advisories warning of potential delays due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, urging passengers to check flight status and plan extra travel time to the airport.
Government Response and Preventive Measures
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called on residents to avoid venturing outdoors, requesting private sector employees to work from home for the next two days. She warned of a high tide in the Hooghly River, which could exacerbate flooding in river-adjacent areas and along Tolly’s nullah. Emergency services and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation worked to drain waterlogged streets, though the scale of flooding overwhelmed local infrastructure.
IMD Forecast and Continuing Threats
The IMD confirmed that the rains were caused by a low-pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal regions of Bengal and Odisha. With Durga Puja only days away, heavy showers are likely to continue, raising concerns about further disruption to travel, safety, and celebrations.
Economic and Social Impact
Markets were forced to shut, dampening festive business. Power cuts, traffic congestion, and flooding affected livelihoods and daily routines. The collapse of metro and road transport, coupled with soaring cab fares, highlighted the vulnerability of urban infrastructure during extreme weather events.
Balancing Celebration and Safety
Kolkata’s festive spirit has been severely tested by this extreme rainfall. Authorities are grappling with the twin challenges of public safety and disaster management, while citizens adjust to flooded streets, power outages, and transport disruptions. As Durga Puja approaches, preparedness, caution, and community cooperation remain critical to ensuring the celebrations proceed safely. With sustained efforts from government agencies and residents, the city aims to navigate these unprecedented floods while protecting lives and livelihoods.
(With agency inputs)
