Seven people dead due to electrocution amid overnight heavy rains in Kolkata; waterlogging paralyses transport, power, and adds warnings by IMD. Stay safe.

Kolkata Reels under Torrential Rains: Electrocution Claims 7 Lives, City Paralyzed by Waterlogging

Overview of the Disaster

Kolkata was hit by record-breaking rainfall overnight, triggering widespread waterlogging and claiming the lives of at least seven people due to electrocution. The downpour, which saw some areas recording upwards of 300 mm of rain, has brought daily life to a halt.

Areas Most Affected & Immediate Impacts

Southern and eastern neighborhoods such as Garia Kamdahari, Jodhpur Park, Kalighat, Topsia, Ballygunge, and parts of central and north Kolkata saw the worst of the rainfall, with many districts underwater.
Roads turned into rivers: major thoroughfares like AJC Bose Road, EM Bypass, College Street, MG Road, and numerous lanes in south and central Kolkata were submerged, halting vehicular traffic.
Public transport severely hit: Metro services were suspended between some stations, train tracks flooded, and several suburban and intercity trains were delayed or cancelled.
Power outages and internet disruptions reported in many zones, especially where waterlogging exacerbated infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Electrocution: Where & Why It Happened

The fatal electrocutions occurred in multiple areas including Netaji Nagar, Kalikapur, Mominpur, Ballygunge Place, and Beniapukur. In these zones, live wires and submerged electric infrastructure proved deadly.
Official bodies like the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) responded by cutting power to certain waterlogged areas to prevent further incidents.

Weather Forecast & Government Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for continuous heavy rain across south Bengal, including Kolkata and neighboring districts, due to a low-pressure system over the northeast Bay of Bengal.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid venturing into waterlogged streets, stay clear of fallen trees or exposed electrical lines, and monitor official advisories. Schools in many areas have been closed for the day.

What’s Being Done & Challenges

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has opened lock gates to allow water from canals and drains to flow into the Hooghly river in an attempt to reduce waterlogging. Telangana Today
Emergency teams are working round the clock to pump out water, clear debris, restore power in affected zones, and repair damaged infrastructure.
However, the persistence of the rainfall and overflowing drains, combined with already weakened infrastructure in low-lying areas, is making relief efforts difficult.

Safety Tips for Citizens

Avoid going out during heavy downpours unless absolutely necessary.
Stay away from flooded streets, especially those with submerged electric poles or wires.
If at home, unplug electrical appliances and stay off the floor if water seeps in.
Monitor weather alerts from IMD and local authorities.
Keep emergency numbers handy for electricity, water, and municipal services.

Looking Ahead: Risks and What Needs Improvement

With the Durga Puja festival approaching, heightened vigilance is required as large gatherings may be affected. Disaster preparedness and drainage capacity must be reassessed.
Infrastructure improvements: better drainage systems, elevated road design in flood-prone localities, safer electrical installations.
Urban planning to account for climate change effects: heavier rainfall, too much load on old systems.

Kolkata’s heavy rains have exposed the city’s vulnerability to intense downpours—waterlogging, electrocution, major transport disruption, and loss of life. While emergency responses are underway, this event underscores the critical need for sustainable urban infrastructure and proactive disaster management. As further rain is expected, citizens must remain cautious and officials must prioritize safety and swift restoration of services.

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