Kolkata Engulfed by Record Floods: 12 Dead, City Paralyzed Ahead of Durga Puja

Kolkata was brought to its knees on September 23, 2025, following a catastrophic deluge caused by record-breaking rainfall. The unprecedented downpour, which intensified overnight, submerged vast swathes of the city, paralyzing normal life, disrupting critical services, and tragically claiming at least 12 lives. The event underscores the vulnerability of the metropolis, occurring just days before the commencement of its most significant festival, Durga Puja.

Unprecedented Downpour Batters Kolkata

The city experienced an astonishing amount of rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recording approximately 251.6 mm (9.9 inches) in the 24-hour period ending on Tuesday morning. This deluge was described as the heaviest witnessed in Kolkata since 1988 and ranks as the sixth-highest single-day rainfall in 137 years. The intensity of the rain was particularly severe in the early hours of September 23, with some areas receiving as much as 332 mm within a few hours. The IMD attributed the extreme weather event to a low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal, coupled with a strong convergence of moisture-laden clouds. Experts ruled out a cloudburst, instead characterizing it as an intense convective thunderstorm fueled by a tropical disturbance.

Devastating Human Toll and Widespread Disruption

The immediate consequence of the relentless rain was a devastating loss of life. At least 12 individuals perished in various incidents across Kolkata and its suburbs. A significant number of these deaths, primarily nine, were due to electrocution, a grim outcome linked to the extensive waterlogging and exposed electrical infrastructure in the city. Other fatalities included drowning incidents. The widespread flooding rendered roads impassable, submerged homes in low-lying areas, and brought all commercial activities to an abrupt halt. Markets that were usually bustling with pre-Puja shoppers found themselves shuttered or inaccessible as floodwaters inundated their premises.

Infrastructure Grinds to a Halt: Transport and Power Failures

Kolkata’s critical infrastructure buckled under the force of the downpour. Transport services faced severe disruptions, with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, impacting thousands of travelers preparing for the festive season. Suburban rail and metro services were suspended in many sections due to waterlogged tracks and stations, further isolating parts of the city. Road traffic was gridlocked, with arterial roads transformed into water bodies, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water. Power outages affected numerous areas for hours, exacerbating the difficulties faced by residents and compounding the chaos.

Durga Puja Preparations Thrown into Disarray

The timing of the deluge added another layer of crisis, as Kolkata was in the final stages of preparation for Durga Puja, the city’s grandest annual festival. The torrential rain wreaked havoc on pandals (temporary structures) and idols of the deities, causing significant damage. The disruption to transport and markets meant that essential shopping and final arrangements for the festivities were severely hampered. The state government, acknowledging the severity of the situation, declared holidays for schools and educational institutions two days in advance, effectively advancing the Puja break to allow citizens to cope with the aftermath and stay safe.

Official Response and Warnings

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the rainfall as “unprecedented” and expressed deep sorrow for the victims. She also pointed fingers at the power utility CESC Limited for alleged lapses in maintenance that contributed to the electrocution deaths, a claim CESC later refuted by stating some incidents were due to faulty internal wiring. Authorities deployed water pumps to clear streets and railway tracks, with relief measures, including food distribution, being initiated. The IMD issued orange and yellow alerts for various districts in South Bengal, warning of continued heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds through September 26. They also cautioned about potential waterlogging and traffic congestion. The situation was compounded by high tide in the Hooghly River, which impeded the natural drainage of floodwaters.

Contributing Factors and Future Outlook

The severity of the flooding was exacerbated by a confluence of factors, including the sheer volume of rain in a short span and the natural tidal patterns of the Hooghly River, which restricted outflow from the city’s canals and drainage systems. While the immediate flooding began to subside, the IMD predicted further rainfall, with a possibility of another low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns for ongoing relief and recovery efforts. The city’s resilience will be tested as it grapples with the immediate aftermath and long-term implications of this extreme weather event, a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change on urban centers. This comprehensive News coverage offers a detailed look at the unfolding crisis.