kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, June 25: Nearly an hour of relentless torrential rain was enough to bring large parts of Kolkata to a standstill on Thursday afternoon, as the city once again found itself struggling with widespread waterlogging. What began as a sudden change in weather quickly turned into a major disruption, with roads submerged, traffic snarled, and normal life severely affected across several areas of the metropolis.

The dramatic weather shift began shortly after midday when dense black clouds engulfed the city skyline, plunging Kolkata into an unusual darkness that resembled nighttime. Within minutes, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning lashed the city, validating forecasts issued earlier by the Meteorological Department.

The intense downpour continued for nearly an hour, overwhelming drainage systems and inundating roads across north, central, and south Kolkata. As rainwater accumulated rapidly, several key thoroughfares disappeared under water, causing severe inconvenience to commuters and residents.

The disruption, strong gusty winds accompanying the storm caused a large tree to collapse in the Moulali area, according to sources from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. Civic authorities immediately began clearing operations while monitoring other vulnerable locations across the city.

Particularly alarming situation emerged at the state-run SSKM Hospital, where rainwater reportedly entered multiple wards of the hospital. Patients undergoing treatment and their family members faced significant difficulties as water accumulated inside parts of the medical facility. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers were forced to wade through water to move between wards and continue providing medical care. The situation raised concerns about infrastructure preparedness during periods of intense rainfall.

Several prominent areas of South Kolkata were among the worst affected. Roads near Exide Crossing, Rabindra Sadan, Camac Street, Park Street, Jadavpur, and Tollygunge went under water, disrupting vehicular movement and causing long delays. In many locations, pedestrians were seen navigating through ankle-deep and knee-deep water as rain continued intermittently.

Central and North Kolkata also experienced extensive waterlogging. Waterloo Street, Chittaranjan Avenue, M.G. Road, Amherst Street, College Street, Sukia Street, Shyambazar, and Hatibagan were among the areas severely impacted by the downpour. Kashipur Road was reported to be heavily flooded, while major traffic corridors such as B.T. Road and the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass were not spared from the effects of the rain.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation stated that pumping operations were immediately activated to remove accumulated water from affected areas. Civic officials confirmed that all drainage pumping stations had been instructed to remain on high alert and operate continuously until water levels receded.

The waterlogged roads created chaos during one of the busiest periods of the day. Long traffic jams developed across multiple parts of the city as vehicles struggled to navigate submerged streets. Several cars and motorcycles reportedly broke down in the middle of roads after water entered their engines, further worsening congestion.

Public transportation services were also affected. Buses moved slowly through flooded stretches, while commuters faced lengthy delays in reaching their destinations. Office-goers, students, and daily passengers found themselves stranded in traffic for extended periods as the city grappled with the aftermath of the sudden cloudburst.

The heavy rainfall came as part of a broader weather system currently influencing southern West Bengal. Meteorologists have warned that further spells of rain and thunderstorms could affect Kolkata and adjoining districts over the coming days as monsoon activity strengthens across the region.

The showers brought much-needed relief from the recent spell of oppressive heat and humidity, they also exposed the city’s recurring vulnerability to waterlogging during intense rain events. As authorities continue drainage and restoration work, residents remain watchful amid forecasts of more rainfall in the days ahead.