Kolkata experienced an hour of torrential rain and storm activity on Sunday, leading to widespread waterlogging across several neighborhoods.
A tree collapsed in Chandni Chowk, snagging an electric wire. Workers from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) visited the spot, successfully clearing the debris after a 45-minute operation. Because Sunday traffic is naturally lighter, major gridlocks were avoided.
Continuous downpour left parts of Patuli, Jadavpur, Kasba, Sealdah, and Kankurgachi heavily waterlogged, though water began receding later in the afternoon.
Water entered the premises of RG Kar Medical College. Severe waterlogging was also reported inside Ashutosh College, a centre for the NEET (UG) examination.
The KMC received distress calls from students and parents struggling to reach NEET examination centers. “The accumulated water was cleared swiftly, ensuring smoother access to the examination centres and minimising disruption for students and guardians. Commendable action was taken by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation… Prompt action will continue to be taken in all such instances to ensure the timely resolution of civic concerns and public convenience,” stated Agnimitra Paul, Minister of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the International Day of Yoga program at Red Road earlier on Sunday morning, successfully concluding the event before the heavy downpour commenced around 11 am.
While the weather is expected to slightly improve, significant hazard warnings remain in place for Monday.
South Bengal
The Regional Meteorological Centre has predicted a yellow alert for North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Nadia, and Howrah. These districts might experience thunderstorms and lightning with wind gusting up to 30-40 kmph
Whereas Kolkata and the remaining districts of South Bengal are likely to experience light to moderate rain.
North Bengal
The northern districts may bear the brunt of the current monsoon surge. An Orange alert for heavy to very heavy rain (7-20 cm) is currently active for Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.
A yellow alert has been sounded for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Cooch Behar.