On September 23, 2025, Kolkata saw its longest spell of heaviest rain in almost four decades, causing widespread destruction throughout the city and suburbs. The heavy rainfall, which started early morning, caused flash floods, electricity supply failures, and major disruptions in day-to-day life. Sadly, at least 12 people were killed as a result of the adverse weather.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Its Impact
More than 250 mm of rain was recorded in a 24-hour span by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which was the highest amount of single-day rain since 1988. The locations of Topsia, Jadavpur, and Kalighat were worst hit, with roads knee-deep in water. The city’s drainage system was overwhelmed by the heavy rain, and waterlogging and flash floods took over everywhere.
The heavy downpours caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with several Durga Puja pandals collapsing, which are the focal point of the city’s most significant cultural festival. Further, many vehicles were left stranded and public transport operations were severely affected, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Loss of Life and Emergency Response
Nine people were killed in Kolkata through electrocution, while two others lost their lives by drowning in the floodwaters, according to reports from the authorities. The deaths were reported across several areas in the city, including Gariahat, Garfa, Ekbalpur, Beniapukur, Shakespeare Sarani, Netajinagar, Haridevpur, Narendrapur, and Behala. In reaction to the disaster, the state government of West Bengal has started emergency relief efforts, with pumps being used to drain waterlogged grounds and food and medical aid being provided to affected families.
Disruption in Durga Puja Celebrations
The timing of the incessant downpour has severely impacted the forthcoming Durga Puja celebrations, which were going to start later this week. Festival preparations such as the installation of idols and the setup of pandals have been postponed because of the inclement weather. In Howrah, artisans are working at breakneck speed to finish the clay idols, but some pandals in Kolkata, including Singhi Park, Hatibagan Nabin Pally, and Chaltabagan Sorbojonin, have been damaged. Pandals like Maddox Square, Tridhara Sammilani, and Bullygunge Cultural Association have been hit by waterlogging, triggering concerns about the quality and safety of installations.
Transportation and Infrastructure Challenges
The heavy rains have seriously impacted transportation systems in the city. More than 90 flights have been canceled, and numerous others were delayed, disrupting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Train services, both those run by the Vande Bharat Express and others, were halted or re-scheduled due to waterlogging on railway lines. The Kolkata Metro also experienced disruptions, with stations such as Park Street and Esplanade flooded, disrupting the day-to-day commute of thousands of commuters.
Meteorological Forecast and Preparedness
The IMD has announced an orange alert for the city of Kolkata and the neighboring districts, expressing the likelihood of further heavy rainfall in the days ahead as a low-pressure system is present over the Bay of Bengal. People living in low-lying areas are told to keep themselves alert and take precautions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has termed the deluge as “unprecedented” and has sought a review of the drainage system of the city to avoid any such incident in the future.
Conclusion
The amount of rainfall that shattered previous records in Kolkata has highlighted the city’s susceptibility to severe weather conditions, especially in light of climate change. While the city is still recovering from the consequences of this tragedy, it is important for officials to invest in strong infrastructure and disaster mitigation strategies in order to limit the effects of such occurrences in the future. The determination of the people of Kolkata and the prompt action of rescue services will be key to coping with the problems created by this unusual weather phenomenon.
