Kolkata rains: Nine dead from electrocution as Mamata urges against politicisation of flood disaster

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during her address on the ongoing crisis, emphasized that the devastating rainfall was a result of nature’s fury and the unprecedented cloudburst, which overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure. She pointed out that while her government had worked tirelessly to manage waterlogging and provide relief, the flooding was exacerbated by external factors such as water flowing in from neighboring states, and a lack of resources for essential dredging. Mamata also urged leaders to refrain from politicizing the disaster, emphasizing that politics should not interfere with helping the people in their time of need.

As Kolkata grappled with the aftermath of the devastating cloudburst, political finger-pointing escalated between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP accused the TMC-led Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) of corruption and inefficiency, blaming the city’s poor drainage system for the widespread flooding, especially ahead of Durga Puja. They also criticized years of mismanagement under both the CPI(M)-led government and the TMC, warning of long-term damage to the city’s infrastructure and its investment potential. In retaliation, TMC leaders, including Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya and Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja, condemned the BJP for politicizing the disaster, attributing the floods to the rare cloudburst and defending the government’s efforts. Meanwhile, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the TMC of criminal negligence, particularly in the wake of electrocution deaths from fallen wires, calling for accountability for the fatalities.

In Kumartuli and across Kolkata, where the spirit of Durga Puja comes to life through intricate clay idols, the relentless rains have turned the artisans' dreams into a struggle. The torrential downpours have left many of these masterpieces drenched and damaged, with the art melting away before it even reaches the worshippers. For the artisans, who rely on the Durga Puja season for their livelihood, this has been a devastating blow, as they face the heartbreaking loss of their year’s hard work and income. Amidst the festivity and devotion, their labor of love now stands helpless against nature’s fury.

During her virtual address from Kalighat, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the severe impact of the natural calamity on Kolkata and the state, including the delayed inauguration of major Durga Puja pandals due to the disaster. She pointed out that despite prior warnings from the meteorological department regarding low pressure and rainfall, the intensity of last night’s rain surpassed the scale of the 1978 floods. Mamata also expressed concerns over the lack of dredging at the Farakka Barrage, which has led to the Ganga’s overflowing, exacerbating the flood situation in West Bengal, particularly from the water flowing in from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. She condemned the politicization of the disaster, calling for unity in the face of such crises, and reiterated that Bengal’s efforts to prevent floods, including the construction of ponds and check dams, were undermined by external pressures. The CM also called for proper drainage management in metro construction zones and for Farakka Barrage authorities to take action on dredging. Mamata assured compensation and jobs for the families of those who lost their lives due to electrocution, urging CESC to take responsibility.

Workers at pandals across south Kolkata were seen desperately pumping out water through makeshift hoses and drains to protect the decorative structures from water damage ahead of the festivities. A Durga Puja organiser from Kalighat expressed concern, saying, "We had worked for three months to build this pandal. Now everything is under water. We are worried the bamboo structure may collapse."

Kolkata has been severely impacted by the heaviest rains in nearly four decades, causing widespread disruptions across the city. Air, rail, and road transport services have been paralyzed, and educational institutions have been shut down. In response to the unprecedented downpour, the state government has declared Puja holidays two days ahead of schedule, providing much-needed relief to residents amidst the ongoing crisis.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed deep concern over the sudden natural disaster devastating Kolkata and surrounding areas, caused by heavy rainfall compounded by water releases from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and the Farakka Barrage, exacerbated by inadequate dredging upstream. She announced the closure of all government schools, colleges, and universities for two days, with both government and private offices directed to operate on a work-from-home basis during this period. Emphasizing that saving lives is the top priority, she mourned those who died due to electrocution caused by CESC’s negligence and assured compensation and jobs for affected families. A control room at Nabanna is operational 24/7 under her direct supervision, and she has urged people to stay cautious in the coming days. Additionally, she will forgo attending Durga Puja inaugurations in Kolkata, with district events to be held virtually, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata were significantly disrupted on Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions. Heavy rainfall and poor visibility forced the cancellation of 30 flights, while 42 others faced delays, causing inconvenience to travelers. Airport officials confirmed that the ongoing bad weather impacted both arrivals and departures, and advised passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.

Kolkata has been experiencing heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to announce the closure of all schools on the 24th and 25th September. The decision aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amid waterlogging and disrupted transportation across the city. Residents are advised to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during this period.

Heavy overnight rainfall has caused significant waterlogging between Mahaanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar metro stations, leading to the suspension of services between Shaheed Khudiram and Maidan stations. Metro trains between Dakshineswar and Maidan are operating at reduced frequency. Officials and staff are actively pumping out water and working to restore normal metro operations as quickly as possible.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) reported record-breaking rainfall in various parts of the city, with Garia Kamdahari receiving the highest at 332 mm, followed by Jodhpur Park at 285 mm, Kalighat at 280 mm, Topsia at 275 mm, and Ballygunge at 264 mm, causing widespread waterlogging and disruption.

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Kolkata’s IT hub, leading to significant waterlogging across key areas. Roads and office complexes were submerged, disrupting work and commuting for thousands of professionals.

Torrential overnight rain left Kolkata reeling on Tuesday, killing at least four people due to electrocution and paralysing life in the city as rainwater inundated vast areas, crippled transport services and brought traffic and trains to a grinding halt.

Kolkata experienced heavy rainfall, causing widespread waterlogging in several parts of the city. Low-lying areas faced significant flooding, leading to traffic congestion and disruption of public transport services, including trains and metro operations. The persistent rain also affected daily activities, with water entering homes and damaging property. Authorities are working to manage the situation as residents cope with the challenges posed by the intense downpour.

The EM Bypass road from Science City to Park Circus, a vital artery in Kolkata, is completely waterlogged, causing severe traffic slowdowns. With public transport options limited due to the flooding, commuters are facing significant difficulties navigating the area. Visuals show streets submerged in water, highlighting the challenges residents and travelers are dealing with amid the heavy rains.

Kolkata and its suburbs came to a near standstill on Tuesday due to very heavy overnight rains causing widespread flooding and severe waterlogging, disrupting Metro and train services across the city. Key Metro stretches, including the Blue Line between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations, were suspended, while train movement in Sealdah south section and Circular Railway line was halted. Waterlogged roads flooded homes and residential areas, forcing many schools to declare holidays and leaving office-goers stranded amid traffic snarls and lack of public transport. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation reported rainfall exceeding 300 mm in parts of the city, with more heavy rains forecast by the India Meteorological Department due to a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal, expected to affect South Bengal districts until Wednesday, with another low-pressure system forming around September 25.

Eastern Railway is working relentlessly to maintain suburban train services in the Sealdah and Howrah divisions despite heavy rainfall. Water pumps have been deployed at multiple locations to clear waterlogged tracks. In the Sealdah North and Main line sections, suburban trains are operating normally from the platforms. However, in the Sealdah South section, most southbound trains are being short-terminated or originated at Ballygunge due to waterlogging at Sealdah South platforms. Efforts are ongoing to fully resume services from Sealdah South, while Circular Railway services remain suspended due to flooding.

Due to waterlogging at various locations, several trains have been rescheduled today: the 13151 UP Kolkata–Jammu Tawi Express departure delayed from 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM, the 12357 UP Kolkata–Amritsar Express rescheduled from 12:10 PM to 2:30 PM, and the 13161 UP Kolkata–Balurghat Express delayed from 12:05 PM to 3:15 PM.

Heavy rainfall continued in Kolkata from midnight, with the highest recorded at Garia (Kamdahari Pumping Station) where 332 mm fell between 1 AM and 5 AM in just four hours. Across the city, over 200 mm of rain was recorded from midnight till dawn, leading to widespread waterlogging. On the morning of 23.09.25 (Tuesday), at 1:51 AM, the Ganga river water level was measured at 5.66 meters (18.57 feet). The lock gates near the Ganga remained closed from midnight to 4 AM, preventing water flow and contributing to flooding.