News Desk – Kolkata, usually buzzing with excitement before Durga Puja, is battling unprecedented rainfall the heaviest since 1986. The city received 185.6 mm of rain in just three hours (2:30–5:30 am, Sept 23), leaving streets waterlogged and homes submerged.
Deaths & Disruptions
10 people died, nine due to electrocution.
Air, road, and rail transport were hit 30 flights cancelled, trains delayed, and circular railway services suspended.
Educational institutions shut; Puja holidays declared early.
Government & Political Reactions
CM Mamata Banerjee: Called the rains “unusual” and blamed poor dredging at the Farakka barrage for flooding. She expressed concern for Puja pandals and advised offices and schools to remain closed.
BJP attack: Accused the TMC government of “criminal negligence” despite advance warnings by the Met office. Amit Malviya said the state had “no plan, no preparation.”
TMC counter: Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said it was a rare cloudburst (nearly 300 mm rain within hours) that would overwhelm any city, and accused BJP of “weaponising pain.”
What’s Next?
More rain is forecast in southern West Bengal districts (Purba & Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura) till Sept 24.
Another low-pressure system could hit by Sept 27, bringing more showers.
With pandals waterlogged, vehicles stranded, and homes flooded, the festive mood in Kolkata has been dampened just days before the biggest celebration of the year.
