As Kolkata immersed itself in Durga Puja festivities, very heavy overnight showers on Tuesday brought the city to a standstill. Several localities were inundated with knee-deep water, leaving traffic paralysed and pandal preparations in disarray. Visuals shared by residents showed flooded streets, submerged vehicles, and rainwater entering homes and apartment complexes.
Rainfall Breakdown: Unprecedented Numbers
According to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the city recorded staggering rainfall totals in just a few hours:
- Garia Kamdahari: 332 mm
- Jodhpur Park: 285 mm
- Kalighat: 280 mm
- Topsia: 275 mm
- Ballygunge: 264 mm
- Thantania (North Kolkata): 195 mm
VIDEO | West Bengal: Rains battered Kolkata overnight, leading to widespread waterlogging in both northern and southern parts of the city. North Kolkata recorded 200 mm of rainfall, while South Kolkata received 180 mm.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 23, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/Y8aFgnUZVn
The deluge was triggered by a low-pressure system over the northeast Bay of Bengal, which is expected to move northwestward, bringing more rain to South Bengal districts.
Massive Rains in #kolkata since the last 3 hours! Major areas #flooded like never before. Heavy spell of #Rainfall in the city right before #DurgaPuja
— Murtaza Khambaty (@MurtazaKhambaty) September 22, 2025
Stay safe everybody!#cyclone #cloudburst pic.twitter.com/VUuoQkkxgC
IMD Alert: Rain Till September 25
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Kolkata and adjoining districts on high alert, forecasting:
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura till Wednesday.
- A second low-pressure system forming around September 25 over the east-central Bay of Bengal, which could extend the wet spell and further disrupt Puja celebrations.
Puja Preparations in Peril
- Pandal construction has been halted in several areas due to waterlogging and material damage.
- Artisans and volunteers are struggling to meet deadlines ahead of Mahalaya and Saptami.
- Civic agencies have deployed emergency drainage pumps, but many roads remain submerged.
“This is the heaviest rainfall I’ve seen—beyond even Amphan levels,” said one resident on Reddit.
Civic Advisory
- Residents are urged to avoid low-lying areas and monitor IMD updates.
- Organisers are advised to reinforce pandal structures and delay electrical installations.
- Commuters should expect delays and plan alternate routes.