Devastating Cloudburst in Kolkata Triggers Flash Floods and Disrupts City

In the early hours of September 23, 2025, Kolkata was struck by an unprecedented cloudburst, unleashing over 300 millimeters of rainfall within a few hours. The deluge resulted in severe flash floods, claiming at least seven lives due to electrocution and causing significant disruptions across the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the southern and eastern parts of Kolkata bore the brunt of the rainfall. Garia Kamdahari recorded 332 mm of rain, while other areas such as Jodhpur Park, Kalighat, Topsia, Ballygunge, and Thantania also experienced substantial precipitation. The IMD attributed the deluge to a low-pressure system over the northeast Bay of Bengal, warning of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.

The heavy rainfall led to extensive waterlogging, submerging streets and homes, and disrupting transportation networks. Metro services between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations were suspended due to track flooding, and numerous flights were canceled or delayed. Educational institutions, including the University of Calcutta and Jadavpur University, suspended all academic activities. The West Bengal government declared an early Puja vacation for state-run educational institutions in response to the hazardous conditions.

The timing of the cloudburst, just days before the Durga Puja festivities set to begin on September 27, has raised concerns about the impact on preparations and celebrations. Durga Puja is a significant cultural and religious event in Kolkata, and the flooding has disrupted the setup of pandals (temporary structures for the festival) and other arrangements.

This event has drawn comparisons to previous severe weather incidents in the region, such as Cyclone Amphan in 2020, highlighting the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events.

As Kolkata grapples with the aftermath of the cloudburst, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay indoors and adhere to safety advisories. The resilience of the city's infrastructure and the preparedness of its emergency response systems are under scrutiny as the community works to recover and rebuild.