Kolkata recieves nearly 250 mm rain as city graples with severe waterlogging

Kolkata is grappling with widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions after a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal triggered heavy rainfall across the city. The relentless downpour, which began on September 22 and continued into the morning of September 23, has brought life to a standstill in many parts of the city. According to official reports, the city received a staggering 247.5 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, leading to submerged roads and severe commuter inconvenience.

The low-pressure system, which was centered over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, caused intense and continuous rainfall. While the entire city experienced the deluge, some areas were hit particularly hard. The data shows that Southern Kolkata bore the brunt of the downpour. Areas like Ballygunge (295 mm), Garia (270 mm), and Mukundapur (280 mm) were among the worst-affected, reporting some of the highest rainfall figures.

The city's infrastructure struggled to cope with the sheer volume of water. Major thoroughfares in areas like Gariahat, Jadavpur, and Bhawanipur were submerged, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to navigate. The heavy rain caused significant disruptions to daily life, with many people either stranded or forced to cancel their plans. Commuters were seen wading through knee-deep water, while others struggled to find public transport.

Even areas with better drainage systems, such as Park Street (184 mm) and New Town (186 mm), were not spared from the effects of the heavy rain. While the central business districts and newer townships experienced relatively less waterlogging, the impact on traffic was significant, leading to long delays and gridlocks.

The authorities, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, have been working to clear the accumulated water from the streets. Drainage pumps were deployed in key areas to help ease the situation, but the continuous rain made their task challenging. The civic body has urged citizens to stay home unless absolutely necessary to avoid further chaos.

With the low-pressure system still active, the weather department has warned that more rain is likely in the coming hours. The city remains on high alert as it braces for more rainfall, with residents hoping for a respite from the continuous wet spell.