At least 12 people have died as record rain floods India’s Kolkata, leaving large parts of the city underwater. The downpour struck just days before a major festival, disrupting transport, damaging preparations, and stranding thousands of residents.
Officials said Kolkata received 251.6 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours, the heaviest since 1988. Streets turned into rivers, with vehicles submerged and commuters struggling through waist-deep water. Public transport collapsed, flights were delayed, and train services were suspended. Power cuts added to the misery as electrical systems failed under the pressure of flooding.
Nine people in the city were killed by electrocution, while two others drowned in nearby areas. Authorities shut down schools and colleges, urging residents to stay indoors as emergency teams worked to rescue stranded families and pump out water from flooded neighborhoods.
The India Meteorological Department explained that the rain was fueled by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. With more rainfall forecast, officials warned the crisis may worsen. High tide in the Hooghly River slowed drainage, leaving parts of the city underwater for hours.
The floods have also disrupted Durga Puja preparations, damaging clay idols and temporary structures. Local businesses fear losses will be difficult to recover during one of the city’s most important cultural celebrations. Experts added that blocked drains and plastic waste made flooding worse, as rainwater had nowhere to escape. Poor waste management has been a repeated issue during monsoon emergencies in Kolkata.
This disaster comes as South Asia faces a series of extreme weather events. Urban centers in the region are under growing pressure to adapt. Just as China introduced a new K-visa for international experts to respond to global challenges, India too is being pushed to rethink how its cities can withstand climate risks.
Relief operations are ongoing, with pumps, shelters, and rescue teams deployed, but many residents remain frustrated. Each year, the city faces similar chaos during the monsoon, yet little progress is seen in drainage, infrastructure, or disaster management.
In the end, the tragedy reinforced a harsh truth: at least 12 people died as record rain floods India’s Kolkata, exposing serious gaps in resilience. With climate change driving more intense monsoon rains, stronger planning and better city management are no longer option they are urgent.
