Kolkata Floods After Record Rain, 7 Dead by Electrocution

Kolkata, Sep 23 – Record overnight rain left Kolkata and nearby areas flooded on Tuesday, disrupting daily life and killing at least seven people by electrocution.

The city received over 300 mm of rain from 1 a.m. until early morning. Roads were under knee-deep water, bringing traffic to a halt. Train and metro services were badly affected, while power and internet went down in many areas.

Several Durga Puja pandals were damaged, and water entered homes, housing complexes, and even hospitals. Authorities said medical services remain functional despite flooding at SSKM Hospital and others.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has opened lock gates to drain water into the Hooghly River, but rain continues in parts of the city. The Meteorological Department has warned of more downpours as a low-pressure system builds over the Bay of Bengal.

South and east Kolkata saw the heaviest rain, with Kamdahari recording 332 mm, Jodhpur Park 285 mm, and Kalighat 280 mm.

Deaths due to electrocution were reported from Netaji Nagar, Kalikapur, Mominpur, Ballygunge Place, and Beniapukur. The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation cut power in several areas to prevent more accidents.

Railway tracks were waterlogged on the Sealdah Main and South sections, causing delays and cancellations. Metro services were also hit. Even areas that rarely flood saw waterlogging, officials said, as the city struggled to cope with one of its heaviest rainfalls in years.