Heavy Rain Batters Kolkata, South Bengal; Waterlogging Snarls Traffic
A low-pressure system caused heavy rain in Kolkata and south Bengal, leading to waterlogging and traffic disruptions on Tuesday.
A sluggish low-pressure system parked over Gangetic West Bengal unleashed heavy rainfall across Kolkata and several south Bengal districts on Tuesday morning, throwing normal life out of gear. Waterlogging in low-lying areas slowed vehicles and caused significant traffic snarls on major thoroughfares during the morning rush hour.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall of 51 mm at Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur district until 8:30 am. Kolkata received 23 mm, while neighbouring Salt Lake saw 40 mm. Other notable accumulations included Panagarh at 50 mm, Canning at 44 mm, Barrackpore at 43 mm, and Haldia at 30 mm.
The intensity of the downpour increased as the day progressed, submerging several road stretches in the city and nearby districts. Schoolchildren, office-goers, and daily commuters bore the brunt of the disruption.
The IMD stated that the well-marked low-pressure area, currently positioned over Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining north coastal Odisha, and the northwest Bay of Bengal, has remained virtually stationary. It is expected to move west-northwestward by Wednesday morning. Heavy rain is forecast for some places in Gangetic West Bengal until Wednesday morning.
Additionally, the weather office has predicted heavy rainfall in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar until September 4.