23 September, Tuesday: Kolkata is fighting hard to keep its head above water after heavy overnight rain submerged most of the city mere days before the Durga Puja celebrations. The residents described the rain as more severe than the Amphan cyclone, has spread panic everywhere killing almost 4 people in electrocution, disrupting schools, halting metro and train services and delaying many flights.
The rains began around midnight and continued heavily into the early hours of the morning, flooding homes, residential complexes and major roads. Most residents, particularly in low-lying places, were left with ankle- to shin-level water inside their homes. "I live in a ground-floor apartment and have shin-deep flooding inside my home. This is the heaviest rainfall I’ve seen and beyond even 2020 Amphan levels," posted one Reddit user. Another resident said, "Even during Amphan cyclone water had not entered the house. It will be disastrous if the rain doesn’t stop."
Streets become rivers as houses get flooded
Footage widely shared on X, WhatsApp, and Reddit depicted vehicles stuck on flooded roads, locals making their way through flooded areas, and videos of water entering living rooms. Some locals compared the scene to Venice, calling Kolkata a "floating city."
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation verified that the city's southern and eastern suburbs were the worst hit. Garia Kamdahari witnessed the highest downpour at 332 mm within a few hours, followed by Jodhpur Park (285 mm), Kalighat (280 mm), Topsia (275 mm), Ballygunge (264 mm), and Thantania in North Kolkata (195 mm). Officials further said, "We have received emergency instructions to run drainage pumps to clear the roads.
IMD predicts heavier rains
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) linked the heavy rain to a low-pressure trough over the Bay of Bengal and predicted heavy rain could prevail over Kolkata and adjoining districts until September 25. Since the city has already become waterlogged, local Durga Puja organisers have been advised to remain on high alert as more showers are expected in the coming days.
As the city braces for recovery, frustrated citizens continue to vent online, criticizing the city infrastructure and voicing fears that floodwaters might overshadow this year's Puja celebrations.
