Kolkata witnessed relentless downpours today, leading to severe waterlogging and chaos across the city. Two people lost their lives in rain-related incidents as extremely heavy showers paralyzed daily life, flooding major streets and even disrupting train services.
The downpour, which began early in the morning, intensified through the day, leaving vehicles stranded and pedestrians wading through knee-deep water in several localities. Key intersections, including those in central and south Kolkata, were submerged, forcing traffic police to divert routes and impose restrictions to ease congestion.
Railway operations were significantly hampered, with tracks at multiple suburban stations going underwater. Several local trains were delayed or canceled, adding to the inconvenience of daily commuters. Metro services, however, continued but faced overcrowding as stranded passengers sought alternative transport.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation deployed emergency teams to pump out water from low-lying areas, while disaster management units remained on high alert. Power cuts were reported in some parts of the city as a precautionary measure to avoid accidents.
Weather officials confirmed that the city recorded extremely heavy rainfall within a short span, attributing it to a depression over the Bay of Bengal. They warned that intermittent showers are likely to continue, with the possibility of further disruption in the coming hours.
The state government has urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary and has set up helplines for emergency assistance. Schools and offices reported thin attendance, while several private institutions announced closures for the day.
The tragedy of two deaths has underscored the dangers posed by such extreme weather, as authorities continue rescue and relief operations in affected areas.
