Kolkata witnessed its heaviest downpour in nearly four decades on Tuesday, September 23, bringing the city to a standstill ahead of Durga Puja festivities. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city recorded 251.4 mm of rainfall overnight, just shy of a cloudburst, making it the most severe spell since 1988. The torrential rain led to widespread waterlogging across central, north, and south Kolkata, with waist-deep flooding reported in several localities. Tragically, at least seven people lost their lives, mostly due to electrocution from exposed power lines submerged in floodwaters.

The disruption caused by the incessant rain was widespread, crippling transport and day-to-day activities. Kolkata Metro services on the Blue Line were suspended across several stations due to inundated tracks, while heavy traffic jams were reported along major routes like EM Bypass, AJC Bose Road, and Central Avenue. Over 30 flights were cancelled and 42 delayed at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, leaving passengers stranded. Many schools, colleges, and offices either declared holidays or switched to remote operations, while residents battled flooded homes and shops, further worsening the crisis.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the downpour as “unprecedented” and urged citizens to remain indoors for safety. She announced the closure of schools and colleges for two days and appealed to private offices to implement work-from-home policies. The CM also blamed poor dredging at the Farakka barrage and lapses by private power utility CESC for aggravating the situation. With Durga Puja preparations already underway, pandal organizers expressed fear of structural damage as water submerged several decorative sites. Officials from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and disaster response teams have been deployed across the city, but the IMD has warned that more heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days, raising concerns of further disruption.