A night of relentless rainfall brought Kolkata and its neighbouring areas to a halt on Tuesday, September 23, flooding large parts of the city and throwing daily life into disarray. Southern Kolkata alone recorded a staggering 1,423.2 mm of rain overnight, leading to widespread waterlogging, paralysed traffic, and major disruptions just days ahead of the Durga Puja festivities set to begin on September 27.
Several neighbourhoods were submerged under knee-deep water, with flooded roads rendering movement nearly impossible. Water entered homes and apartment complexes across the city, forcing residents to wade through inundated streets. Photos and videos shared on social media painted a bleak picture of the city’s condition: waterlogged streets, stalled vehicles, and residents wading through waist-deep, murky water.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Kolkata’s Alipore area received 239 mm of rainfall by 5:30 am, which increased to 247.4 mm within the next hour. According to the IMD bulletin, the total rainfall recorded over the 24-hour period — from 6:30 am Monday to 6:30 am Tuesday — stood at 247.5 mm.
The situation turned tragic as five people reportedly died from electrocution during the flooding, highlighting concerns over safety and infrastructure preparedness during extreme weather events.
Relentless rainfall has not only thrown daily life off balance in Kolkata but also dampened the festive cheer ahead of Durga Puja—a time typically filled with joy, colour, and community celebration across Bengal. Several Puja organisers, who had already opened their pandals to early visitors, were forced to suspend preparations as severe waterlogging and logistical hurdles made further work impossible.
Some of the popular pandals in South Kolkata—including those at Garia Kamdahari, Jodhpur Park, and Kalighat—were among the hardest hit, raising safety concerns just days before the grand celebrations officially begin.
Many people from across India and abroad had already arrived in the city for the festivities, only to be greeted by flooded streets and disrupted transport. In fact, pandal hopping had already begun in full swing, with several major pandals inaugurated and opened to the public by Mahalaya on September 21. The unexpected downpour, however, has cast uncertainty over what is usually the most vibrant and anticipated time of the year in Kolkata.
One of Kolkata’s key lifelines—the Metro, heavily relied upon by Durga Puja revellers to travel between pandals across the city—has also been severely impacted by the incessant rainfall. Services were cut back, operating only between Dakshineswar and Maidan, effectively isolating the southern parts of the city. The Metro Railway authorities issued a statement confirming that water was being pumped out from the submerged tracks, and assured commuters that efforts were underway to resume normal services as soon as possible. However, the tracks between Tollygunge (Mahanayak Uttam Kumar) and Rabindra Sarobar remained underwater, forcing a suspension of trains between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations.
Kolkata’s airport is facing similar disruptions to the city’s broader transport network. With forecasts warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms, several airlines have issued travel alerts. Indigo Airlines was among the first to notify passengers early Tuesday morning about potential delays due to the adverse weather conditions, asking them to frequently check their flight status and to allow extra time for their journeys to and from the airport. Passengers are encouraged to stay vigilant by regularly checking their flight status through official airline apps or websites. Given the unpredictable weather and its impact on ground transportation, travellers should allow for extra travel time to and from the airport to avoid any last-minute rush
Meanwhile, people shared their experiences of travelling to and from the airport on social media. An Instagram user, @ppkm_007, described their journey: “Swam through flooded South Kolkata at 3:20 am with my Uber driver, Laljit, from Jigar Dil. Saw countless cabs stranded in waist-deep water along the way.”
The heavy overnight rains lashing Kolkata at this time of year are the latest in a series of extreme weather events that have struck the country. From Punjab experiencing its worst deluge in nearly four decades to cloudbursts in Uttarakhand and flash floods in Manipur, the monsoon has proven to be both unpredictable and unforgiving. Entire villages have been cut off, vast tracts of farmland destroyed, and thousands of people displaced, highlighting the growing intensity and impact of climate-related disasters across India.
What caused the heavy rainfall and flooding in Kolkata?
The heavy rains were caused by a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal, bringing widespread showers and leading to waterlogging in many parts of the city.
Which areas of Kolkata were most affected by the flooding?
Southern districts including Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, Bankura, and neighbourhoods like Garia Kamdahari, Jodhpur Park, and Kalighat experienced severe flooding.
How has the flooding impacted Durga Puja preparations?
Many pandals that had opened for early visitors were forced to pause operations due to waterlogging and logistical difficulties, disrupting preparations ahead of the festival.
What transport services have been affected by the rains?
Kolkata Metro services were truncated due to flooded tracks, and traffic across the city has been severely disrupted. Additionally, flights at Kolkata airport have faced delays.
What precautions are authorities advising people to take?
People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay updated on weather and transport information, and exercise caution around flooded areas to ensure safety.
Is more rainfall expected in Kolkata in the coming days?
Yes, the India Meteorological Department has forecast further rain due to a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which may cause additional showers in the region.