Kolkata Records Heaviest Rain in 37 Years, 12 Dead Amid Severe Flooding

Kolkata witnessed its heaviest rainfall in nearly four decades, bringing the city to a complete standstill. The non-stop downpour over the past two days has left at least 12 people dead, with thousands struggling as homes and streets remain submerged in floodwaters.

Large parts of the city faced continuous power outages as water entered substations and damaged supply lines. Many low-lying areas were left under several feet of water, making it impossible for residents to step out or vehicles to move. Public transport services, including buses and metro operations, were severely disrupted, further adding to commuters’ troubles.

The timing of the rainfall has worsened the crisis, with Durga Puja preparations across neighborhoods suffering major setbacks. Pandals remain waterlogged, decorations have been damaged, and artisans face losses as idols could not be moved to their intended locations. Organizers fear that if water recedes slowly, many Puja celebrations may be scaled down this year.

Officials from the weather department confirmed that this is the city’s heaviest rainfall since 1988. Emergency teams, including disaster response forces, have been deployed to assist residents stranded in flooded areas. Relief camps have been set up to shelter those displaced from their homes.

Authorities have urged people to stay indoors as heavy showers are expected to continue in some parts of West Bengal over the next 24 hours. With waterlogging still widespread and daily life badly hit, locals wait anxiously for conditions to improve.