Kolkata Paralyzed by Heavy Rainfall, Two Fatalities Reported

Heavy rainfall in Kolkata since Monday night left the city inundated, resulting in the deaths of two people who were electrocuted in the flooded streets. Waterlogging across major arterial roads and residential areas brought normal life to a halt, with knee-to-waist-deep water reported in several key neighbourhoods. The transport network was severely disrupted, with several cars breaking down on waterlogged roads, and public transportation services ceased operation.

Key Takeaways:

• At least two people were killed in Kolkata due to electrocution in flooded streets, with one identified as Jitendra Singh, 60, who was declared brought dead at SSKM Hospital.
• Heavy rainfall caused waterlogging across major arterial roads and residential areas in Kolkata, with knee-to-waist-deep water reported in neighbourhoods such as Lake Market, Rashbehari, Thanthania, Patuli, Santoshpur Avenue, Park Circus, Nagerbazar, and Bosepukur Talbagan.
• The transport network was heavily disrupted, with several cars breaking down on waterlogged roads and public transportation services ceasing operation, prompting several schools to cancel school pool car services and advise parents not to send their wards.
• Metered cab and bike services were unavailable due to waterlogging, causing inconvenience to commuters.
• Durga Puja preparations were severely impacted, with several major pandals across south and central Kolkata experiencing water entry and some organisers scrambling to protect structures from further damage.
• Railway services were severely affected, with both Howrah and Sealdah yards and car sheds submerged, forcing Eastern Railway to suspend several trains and restrict suburban services, including Sealdah South and Circular Railway lines.

Statistics:

• 332 mm of rainfall was recorded in Kamdahari (Garia) until 5.30 am on Tuesday, while Jodhpur Park recorded 285 mm, Kalighat recorded 280 mm, and Topsia Kolkata (Alipore) recorded 275 mm by 5 am.
• Ultadanga recorded 207 mm and Thanthania recorded 195 mm of rainfall within hours.
• Several schools canceled school pool car services, and many offices declared work from home on Tuesday due to the disrupted transportation services.

Sources:

• The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) - September 23, 2025
• The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) - September 23, 2025