Kolkata, south Bengal hit by heavy rain; waterlogging disrupts traffic
Times of India | 1 September 2026
KOLKATA: Heavy rain lashed Kolkata and several districts of south Bengal on Tuesday morning as a low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal remained nearly stationary, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas and disrupting office-hour traffic.
Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur recorded the highest rainfall in the state, receiving 51 mm in the 24 hours till 8.30 am, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Kolkata recorded 23 mm, while neighbouring Salt Lake received 40 mm during the period.
Panagarh recorded 50 mm, Barrackpore 43 mm, Canning 44 mm and Haldia 30 mm.
Rainfall intensified as the day progressed, inundating several low-lying areas and slowing vehicular movement. Traffic snarls were reported on major thoroughfares in Kolkata and adjoining districts.
Schools, office-goers and daily commuters were among those affected, with several stretches of roads waterlogged in parts of the city and neighbouring areas.
The IMD said the well-marked low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining north coastal Odisha and the northwest Bay of Bengal remained virtually stationary, bringing heavy rain to the region since Monday night.
The system is likely to move west-northwestward by Wednesday morning, the weather office said.
The IMD has forecast heavy rain at some places in Gangetic West Bengal till Wednesday morning. It has also predicted heavy rainfall in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar till September 4.