Normal life disrupted as heavy rain lashes Kolkata, south Bengal
The intensity of rain increased as the day progressed, triggering widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas, slowing vehicular movement and causing traffic snarls across major thoroughfares
A low-pressure system over Gangetic West Bengal caused heavy rain in the state capital, Kolkata, and several districts in south Bengal on Tuesday morning, disrupting daily life as waterlogging in low-lying areas hindered traffic and slowed movement. Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur district recorded the highest rainfall of 51 mm in 24 hours by 8:30 a.m., while Kolkata received 23 mm and Salt Lake 40 mm during the same period, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Other locations, including Panagarh, Barrackpore, Canning, and Haldia, also experienced significant rainfall, with Panagarh recording 50 mm, Barrackpore 43 mm, Canning 44 mm, and Haldia 30 mm. As the day progressed, the intensity of the rain increased, leading to widespread waterlogging that slowed vehicular movement and caused traffic snarls on major roads.
Schools, office workers, and daily commuters were particularly affected, with numerous road stretches submerged in parts of the city and neighboring districts. The weather department predicted heavy rain would continue over some areas in Gangetic West Bengal until Wednesday morning, September 2, 2026. The low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal, along with parts of north coastal Odisha and northwest Bay of Bengal, remained stationary, causing the heavy rain to persist since Monday night.
The system is expected to move west-northwestward by Wednesday morning, according to the IMD. The weather office forecasted heavy rainfall in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar until September 4.
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