Full Breakdown
Kolkata Faces Catastrophic Flooding Ahead of Durga Puja
9/24/2025, 11:40:51 PM
Record Rainfall and Immediate Impact
Kolkata, India, has experienced severe flooding following unprecedented rainfall that began on September 22, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the city received approximately 251.6 mm (9.9 inches) of rain within a 24-hour period, marking the heaviest rainfall since 1988. This deluge resulted in at least 12 fatalities, primarily due to electrocution, and caused significant disruption to daily life just days before the major Hindu festival, Durga Puja.
The flooding affected various districts, with southern neighborhoods such as Garia Kamdahari, Jodhpur Park, and Kalighat recording the highest rainfall totals, reaching up to 332 mm (13.1 inches). Roads were submerged, stranding vehicles and forcing residents to navigate waist-deep water. Public transport systems, including Kolkata Metro and rail services, faced severe interruptions, with over 30 flights canceled at Kolkata airport due to waterlogged runways.
Causes of the Flooding
The heavy rains were attributed to a low-pressure system developing over the northeast Bay of Bengal, which brought widespread showers to the region. This weather pattern coincided with high tides in the Hooghly River, exacerbating drainage issues and leading to extensive waterlogging across the city.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
In response to the crisis, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the closure of schools and educational institutions ahead of the Durga Puja holidays. Relief operations were initiated, including the deployment of water pumps to clear flooded areas and the distribution of food and essentials to affected residents. Banerjee criticized the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) for its role in the electrocutions, stating, “Electricity is supplied by CESC, not us. It is their duty to ensure people do not suffer because of this.”
Criticism and Political Reactions
The flooding has sparked political tensions, with Banerjee accusing the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicizing the disaster. Meanwhile, local residents expressed frustration over the inadequate drainage systems and the government's preparedness for such extreme weather events. One resident remarked, “This should not have happened after four hours of rain. West Bengal is not in a good condition.”
Forecast and Ongoing Concerns
The IMD has warned of continued rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel as they work to restore normalcy in the city. The situation remains critical as Kolkata prepares for the Durga Puja festival, with many temporary structures and clay idols already damaged by the flooding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Electricity is supplied by CESC, not us. It is their duty to ensure people do not suffer because of this. They will do business here, but not modernise here? They should send people to the field and fix this.” — Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal
- “This should not have happened after four hours of rain. West Bengal is not in a good condition,” — Sandip Ghosh, Local Resident
As Kolkata grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic flooding, the focus remains on recovery efforts and the looming threat of additional rainfall.
