The city of joy experienced the effects of an 18-kilometer-high cumulonimbus cloud, which not only devastated the metropolis, effectively disrupted everyday communication. It all happened just a few days ahead of the biggest festival of the city. The Indian Railways also had to bear the cost that came with mother nature's fury.
Indeed, no one could have expected the consequences when nearly 250 millimeters of rain poured down within the duration of a few hours. However, even before the aftermath of Monday's calamity could subside, the Alipore Meteorological Office's Thursday forecast shows an indication of a new low-pressure system forming that has heightened anxiety among railway personnel.
Since Monday midnight, Eastern Railway workers have been tirelessly operating pumps in various yards, stations, and car sheds. In most locations, submerged tracks rendered any form of rake movement impossible.
Railway workers have reported that their biggest challenge was the lack of space to pump out the accumulated water. They said, 'Where are we to dispose of this water? Every conceivable space was already submerged with water, and more water kept seeping in with each passing moment.'
Thursday, upon hearing the forecast of a new low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal, railway workers express their concerns: 'Water hasn't receded from all areas yet. If again heavy rainfall begins in this condition, we'll face the same predicament as before. We have adequate pumps at our disposal and experienced personnel. However, if fresh water accumulates atop the existing stagnant water, we'll be rendered helpless.'
The impact of the rain that began Monday night persisted until Wednesday afternoon. Even on this day, railway workers continued to pump out accumulated water from various yards and sheds.
