Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal faced unprecedented rainfall on September 22-23, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic disruption, and tragic loss of life. Following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s appeal to keep students off waterlogged roads and prevent accidents, West Bengal State Education Minister Bratya Basu announced that all government-run educational institutions will remain closed on September 24 and 25. The authorities have instructed teachers and non-teaching staff to work from home and complete pending tasks before the Durga Puja holidays begin later this week.
The city woke up to an inundated landscape after continuous overnight downpour, with several neighborhoods, including Lake Market, Rashbehari, Patuli, Park Circus, and Bosepukur Talbagan, reporting water levels rising up to waist height. Nearly five hours of rainfall submerged the pandals in Bosepukur Talbagan. Unfortunately, at least seven people lost their lives due to electrocution, and two others died in rain-related incidents, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Heavy rainfall also brought public life to a standstill, with roads and residential complexes flooded and vehicles stranded at major intersections such as Park Circus, Gariahat, Behala, and College Street. Kolkata Mayor and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim stated that KMC teams were working tirelessly to drain the water, though high tides continue to complicate relief efforts.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the downpour as “unprecedented” and criticized lapses in dredging and power supply management by Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC). The India Meteorological Department has attributed the heavy rains to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to bring further rainfall to Odisha and parts of West Bengal around September 25.
Officials advise residents to stay indoors, take precautions, and avoid unnecessary travel while schools are closed, transport is disrupted, and waterlogging persists.