Heavy rains hit Kolkata overnight: Schools shut and metro services halted

Heavy downpour hit Kolkata and nearby regions in West Bengal, causing significant disruption with waterlogging on streets, halting the metro, and schools closed down on Tuesday. 

As many as seven people were declared dead due to electrocution as heavy rains continued overnight. Two of them were reported from Beniapukur and Khidderpore, with another one in Netaji Nagar, revealing the risks due to submerged electric wires during flooding. 

Many schools in the region declared a holiday due to continuous rainfall and waterlogged streets. Airlines have also issued travel advisories after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)'s warning of continuous rainfall in several districts of South Bengal. 

The rain began past midnight, leaving roads submerged, and water entered several houses and residential complexes. 

According to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the heaviest downpour was recorded in the southern and eastern parts of Kolkata, with Garia Kamdahari registering 332 mm of rain in a few hours, Jodhpur Park at 285 mm, Kalighat at 280 mm, Topsia at 275 mm, Ballygunge at 264 mm, and Thanthania in North Kolkata at 195 mm. 

VIDEO | West Bengal: Rains battered Kolkata overnight, leading to widespread waterlogging in both northern and southern parts of the city. North Kolkata recorded 200 mm of rainfall, while South Kolkata received 180 mm.

(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/Y8aFgnUZVn

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The IMD stated that a low-pressure area above the northeast Bay of Bengal is expected to move northwestwards, leading to widespread light to moderate rainfall along with heavy to very heavy showers across South Bengal. 

Heavy rains are also expected in Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Jhargram, and South 24 Parganas till Wednesday. 

According to IMD, a fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the east-central and adjoining North Bay of Bengal around September 25, causing further rains. 

An advisory has been issued for the residents to be cautious and avoid any unnecessary travel, while the administration is monitoring the waterlogging and traffic conditions. 

Various airlines have also issued travel advisories for their passengers, urging them to plan their journeys keeping in mind the continuous rainfall and thunderstorms, allowing extra time for delays. They should also keep checking the flight's status on the airline's app or website before leaving for the airport. 

Metro operations were halted between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations, owing to public safety and ensuring safe travel.