Relentless rain floods Kolkata streets, snarls traffic on Monday
Kolkata and its adjoining areas faced severe disruption on Monday as heavy rain, triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, lashed the region from the early hours. Waterlogging on major thoroughfares and reduced public transport led to traffic snarls, making it a difficult morning for schoolchildren and office-goers.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the depression is currently over coastal West Bengal and the northwest Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move towards Jharkhand across Gangetic West Bengal by Tuesday, August 18. This system has been causing widespread rainfall across the state.
According to IMD data, Haldia in Purba Medinipur district recorded the maximum rainfall of 134 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. on Monday. Digha received 113 mm, while Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas recorded 112 mm during the same period. Several other areas reported substantial rainfall, leading to water accumulation in low-lying regions.
The incessant rain since Sunday night resulted in waterlogging on many roads in Kolkata, as well as in the adjoining Salt Lake and Howrah areas. With the first working day of the week coinciding with the downpour, commuters faced significant difficulties. Traffic moved at a crawl, and several stretches were impassable due to accumulated water.
Schoolchildren and office-goers struggled to reach their destinations amid reduced public transport and traffic snarls. Many parents had to walk their children through flooded streets, and long queues were reported at bus stops and railway stations. The suburban rail network also experienced delays, adding to the woes of daily travellers.
The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall in Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram and Bankura districts on Monday. Very heavy downpour is expected in Purba Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Purulia, Howrah, Hooghly, and Purba and Paschim Bardhaman. The weather department has advised residents in these areas to remain cautious.
Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated on the weather situation. The heavy rain is expected to continue for the next 24 hours as the depression moves inland. Kolkata, which has a history of monsoon-related waterlogging, is bracing for further precipitation in the coming days.
