Kolkata Drenched Before Puja: Record Rainfall Leaves City Reeling

Kolkata saw its heaviest rain in nearly 40 years just as Durga Puja preparations were reaching fever pitch. An intense overnight downpour dumped more than 250 mm of rain within 24 hours, brought neighbourhoods to a standstill, and claimed 11 lives. With flooding, transport breakdowns, and damage to festive arrangements, the city is scrambling to manage both loss and mounting concern.

The Scale of the Deluge

The India Meteorological Department recorded over 251 mm of rain across the city in under 24 hours—an amount not seen since 1986. Some southern suburbs bore the worst brunt, with rainfall exceeding 300 mm in certain spots. Streets flooded, metro and train services came to a halt, and entire localities were cut off.

Human Cost and Chaos

At least 11 people have died—many due to electrocution, collapsing structures, or being caught in submerged areas. Homes, vehicles, and belongings in low-lying neighbourhoods were badly damaged. Schools and colleges have announced holidays; flights and train schedules disrupted; city’s public services pushed to the limit.

Impact on Durga Puja Preparations

Artisans, committee members, pandal organisers had almost completed months of work. Now thousands of puja pandals are damaged or submerged. Decorative work, lighting, electrical fixtures—all put at risk. With Puja just days away, many organisers are rushing repairs. Rain damage to art, mud structures, and wiring raises safety concerns.

What Went Wrong: Infrastructure & Drainage Failures

The deluge exposed long-known weaknesses. Drainage systems failed to handle overflow. Communication lines and electricity systems were vulnerable. Rivers and canals already full, exacerbated by rains upstream. Civic bodies say released water from dams and upstream catchments contributed. Urban planning flaws, clogged drains, lack of preparation intensified the effects.

A City’s Response

State government and civic agencies have mobilised relief efforts. Control rooms opened. Pumps deployed to drain flooded zones. Power supply cut in hazardous areas. Leaders called for caution, asking residents to avoid venturing out unless necessary. Some Puja inaugurations being shifted or done virtually.

Conclusion

Kolkata’s record pre-Puja rainfall is more than a weather story—it’s a reminder of how vulnerable urban centres are, especially during seasonal extremes. The human toll, infrastructure failures and festival disruptions signal urgent need for better planning, resilient drainage, and community readiness. As the city recovers, rebuilding for safety and anticipating such events should be at the heart of conversations—not just for Kolkata, but for every Indian city facing climate challenges.