Heavy Rain and Waterlogging Disrupt Kolkata, South Bengal
Kolkata and several south Bengal districts were hit by heavy rain on Tuesday morning as a low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal brought intense downpours, causing widespread waterlogging and disrupting office-hour traffic, according to weather officials.
Rainfall Figures
Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur district recorded the highest rainfall in the state, receiving 51 mm of rain in the 24 hours till 8.30 , the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Kolkata received 23 mm, while its neighbouring Salt Lake recorded 40 mm. Other significant readings included Panagarh at 50 mm, Canning at 44 mm, Barrackpore at 43 mm, and Haldia at 30 mm.
Impact on the Ground
The intensity of rain increased as the day progressed, triggering waterlogging in low-lying areas, slowing vehicular movementament and causing traffic snarls on major thoroughfares across Kolkata and adjoining districts. Several stretches of roads were submerged, affecting schoolgoers, office workers and daily commuters.
Weather System and Forecast
The India Meteorological Department said the well-marked low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining north coastal Odisha and the northwest Bay of Bengal, remained virtually stationary over the region, bringing heavy rain since Monday night. The system is expected to move west-northwestward by Wednesday morning, according to IMD.
The weather department has forecast heavy rain at some places in Gangetic West Bengal until Wednesday morning. It has also predicted heavy rainfall in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar until September 4.