Kolkata witnessed unprecedented rainfall on Monday, receiving more precipitation in just six hours than the city had in the preceding 22 days combined, leaving streets flooded and claiming nine lives.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the heavy downpour to a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal, which intensified and persisted over coastal West Bengal, including Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly. The weather office warned that this system is likely to linger for the next 24 hours, prolonging the risk of flooding.
Between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., most areas of Kolkata and its suburbs experienced torrential rain, causing severe waterlogging and halting road, train, and Metro services. According to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Ballygunge recorded 295 mm, Gariahat 262 mm, Jadavpur 258 mm, Alipore 240 mm, and Mukundapur 280 mm of rainfall within this brief period.
IMD data showed that the city received 2,663 per cent more rainfall in 24 hours ending 8:30 a.m. than the long-term average, while Howrah recorded 1,006 per cent more, and North 24 Parganas 857 per cent above average.
Also read: Heavy rains lash Kolkata, more showers forecasted
Experts noted that such extreme rainfall in a short duration is indicative of the low-pressure area drawing in moisture from the Bay of Bengal and causing rapid convective precipitation over urban areas.
Nine people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including electrocution, according to official reports. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim urged residents to remain indoors. “It will take at least 12 hours to restore normalcy, provided there is no fresh spell of rain,” Hakim said.
Meteorologists explained that the low-pressure system created strong upward currents, which condensed atmospheric moisture into intense rainfall. Urban structures and poor drainage further exacerbated waterlogging, leaving several main roads submerged and disrupting daily life.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with rescue operations ongoing in flooded localities. Residents have been warned to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary and to follow official safety instructions.
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