Kolkata Grapples with Severe Waterlogging as Heavy Rains Batter Southern West Bengal
Civic teams are working to clear waterlogged areas, but persistent rain threatens to delay efforts.
Heavy overnight rainfall triggered widespread waterlogging in Kolkata and southern West Bengal on Tuesday morning, submerging key areas and disrupting daily commutes, officials reported. Areas like Shyambazar, Ultadanga, Dhakuria, Ballygunge, Behala, parts of EM Bypass, Sector 5 in Salt Lake, and Howrah city saw knee-deep water, stranding commuters and vehicles. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the deluge to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, forecasting continued light to moderate rain with isolated heavy spells across the region, including in Purulia and Jhargram districts.
The IMD warned of squally conditions, with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, along the West Bengal-Odisha coast and north Bay of Bengal through July 8, rendering sea conditions rough to very rough. Fishermen were advised to stay ashore. Civic teams are working to clear waterlogged areas, but persistent rain threatens to delay efforts, an official noted.
West Bengal has recorded 60% excess rainfall this monsoon, with Kolkata receiving 355 mm against a normal of 222 mm from June 1 to July 7, per IMD data. Posts on X from @ANI and @IndiaToday showed flooded roads near Bengal Chemical and VIP Road, highlighting urban flooding challenges. The state’s ongoing drainage issues, compounded by a cyclonic circulation over coastal Andhra Pradesh, underscore the need for improved infrastructure to mitigate monsoon impacts.
Also Read: Rajasthan Sees 126% Surge in Monsoon Rainfall, More Showers Expected
Also Read: Rajasthan Sees 126% Surge in Monsoon Rainfall, More Showers Expected
