Kolkata was left reeling on September 22 as the city experienced its heaviest rainfall in 37 years, resulting in widespread flooding, traffic paralysis, and tragic loss of life. Just days before the grand Durga Puja celebrations were set to begin, the relentless downpour claimed 9 lives, disrupted daily routines, and cast a shadow over the festive spirit.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded over 250 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, breaking records set in the late 1980s. Low-lying areas were submerged, with water entering homes, shops, and even hospitals. Emergency services were stretched thin as rescue teams worked around the clock to evacuate stranded residents and clear blocked roads.
Among the casualties were two children who were electrocuted in a flooded alley and an elderly man who drowned after slipping into an open drain. The remaining victims succumbed to injuries sustained during wall collapses and accidents triggered by waterlogging. Authorities have urged citizens to remain indoors and avoid venturing into flooded zones, while disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation.
The timing of the deluge has raised concerns about the readiness of the city’s infrastructure ahead of Durga Puja, Bengal’s biggest cultural festival. With pandal construction underway and thousands expected to participate in processions, officials are racing to restore normalcy. The state government has announced compensation for the victims’ families and promised swift action to repair damaged roads and drainage systems.