2 injured as lightning strike Kolkata Airport, Agnimitra Paul inspects waterlogged areas

Two workers were injured in a lightning strike at Kolkata Airport on Friday morning as heavy rain and frequent thunderstorms swept across Kolkata and several districts of South Bengal. The incident reportedly occurred while luggage was being loaded onto an aircraft. Airport authorities immediately arranged medical assistance, and both injured workers were rescued and provided first aid before being placed under medical observation.

Heavy rainfall, accompanied by lightning, intensified across Kolkata from Thursday evening and continued through Friday morning. Weather conditions deteriorated significantly, with dark cloud cover and persistent rain affecting normal activities across the city. Rainfall had already been recorded in several parts of North Bengal over the preceding days before the weather system extended to South Bengal.

The continuous rainfall led to widespread waterlogging in several parts of Kolkata, including major stretches of Salt Lake Sector V. Areas around College More and Wipro More were among the worst affected, with roads submerged and traffic movement slowing considerably. Commuters in some locations were forced to walk through knee-deep water to reach their destinations as vehicular movement remained disrupted.

Municipal and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul visited several affected locations throughout the day to assess the situation. She inspected waterlogged areas, including the city zoo, and reviewed ongoing efforts to restore normal conditions. The minister also held discussions with officials regarding drainage operations and measures required to expedite water removal.

Authorities stated that steps were being taken to address water accumulation across affected zones. A control room has been opened by the municipal administration to assist residents and receive complaints related to waterlogging and rain-related disruptions. Officials indicated that response teams would take action based on complaints received through the control room.