Kolkata was battered by relentless heavy rains over the past 24 hours, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming that the city recorded 251.4 mm of rainfall, one of the heaviest spells in recent years. The sudden deluge has brought the city to a standstill, with major areas submerged under knee-deep water.

🌧️ City Under Water

Several key localities including Park Street, Behala, Tollygunge, Esplanade, and Salt Lake reported severe waterlogging. Commuters were left stranded as traffic crawled at a snail’s pace, while many vehicles broke down in submerged streets.

Public transport was heavily hit, with long queues at bus stands and significant delays in local train and metro services. Many office-goers and students had to return home mid-way, unable to navigate the flooded roads.

⚠️ IMD Warnings

The IMD has predicted more showers in the coming 24–48 hours, cautioning residents against venturing out unnecessarily. Officials highlighted that the intense downpour was caused by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, which has brought heavy moisture into the Gangetic West Bengal region.

🏠 Impact on Daily Life

Several schools and colleges announced closure for the day due to severe waterlogging.

Power cuts were reported in low-lying areas as a precautionary measure.

Residents struggled with water entering homes and shops, forcing emergency clean-up measures.

👮 Administration’s Response

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) deployed multiple teams with pumps to clear waterlogged streets, though officials admitted that drainage systems were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of rain. Disaster management and police personnel were also on high alert to assist stranded citizens.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reviewed the situation and instructed civic bodies to ensure immediate relief measures. She appealed to the public to stay indoors and cooperate with emergency services. 

🌍 Broader Impact

Neighboring districts of Howrah, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas also experienced heavy rainfall, affecting rail services and local businesses. Weather experts said that the monsoon activity could intensify further if the depression lingers.

🗣️ Voices from the Ground

Social media was flooded with images and videos of submerged cars, people wading through waist-deep water, and children playing in rainwater despite warnings. Hashtags like #KolkataRains and #Waterlogging quickly began trending.