Rain-Hit Kolkata: Life Far From Normal as Durga Puja Looms

Introduction:
Kolkata, the vibrant cultural capital of West Bengal, was plunged into chaos on September 23, 2025, as torrential rains—the heaviest in 37 years—unleashed widespread flooding, claiming at least 10 lives and paralyzing daily life just days before the grand Durga Puja festival. The deluge, dumping 332 mm in Garia Kamdahari, 285 mm in Jodhpur Park, and 280 mm in Kalighat within 24 hours, triggered flash floods, electrocutions, and infrastructure breakdowns, submerging streets, homes, and key venues. Metro services halted between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations on the Blue Line, over 30 flights were canceled at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport with 42 delays, and educational institutions like Calcutta University postponed exams while Jadavpur University suspended all activities. The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata shut down operations, citing severe waterlogging.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed inadequate dredging at Farakka Barrage and lapses by CESC in maintaining power lines for the eight electrocution deaths, directing relief teams to deploy pumps and aid. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy rains until September 26, warning of a potential cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal by September 25, threatening further devastation in south Bengal districts like Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas. Why does this matter? With Durga Puja, a ₹40,000 crore economic driver generating 15% tourism boost, the flooding has inundated pandals in south and central Kolkata, forcing organizers to erect sandbag barriers and postpone rehearsals, disrupting a festival that unites the city in devotion and commerce. As of September 23, 2025, 11:00 AM IST, rescue operations continue, with #KolkataRains trending on X (100k posts, 70% blaming infrastructure). This article recaps the deluge's toll, official responses, historical parallels, statistics, expert analyses, and implications for Puja and beyond.

The Deluge: Rainfall Records and Immediate Toll

The overnight rains from September 22-23 shattered records, with Garia Kamdahari logging 332 mm—the highest single-day in 37 years—followed by 285 mm in Jodhpur Park and 195 mm in Thantania. Described as a "near cloudburst" by IMD, the downpour caused flash floods, turning roads into rivers and trapping residents. Deaths: Eight from electrocution due to snapped CESC lines, two from wall collapses, totaling 10. Southern and eastern Kolkata bore the brunt, with Howrah Bridge approaches submerged and Park Street waterlogged.

Metro: Blue Line truncated Dakshineswar-Maidan; services suspended Shahid Khudiram-Maidan for safety. Airport: 30+ cancellations (IndiGo, Air India), 42 delays; operations resumed partially by morning. Universities: Calcutta postponed exams; Jadavpur canceled all events. U.S. Consulate: Shut due to flooding.

Official Responses and Relief Efforts

CM Banerjee: "Unprecedented; blame Farakka dredging, CESC negligence. Pumps deployed, relief teams active." Puja holidays advanced two days for schools; state aid for victims. IMD: Orange alert till September 26; cyclone risk by September 25. CESC: Restored power in 80% areas by noon.

Historical Context: Kolkata's Monsoon Struggles

Kolkata's 2020 Amphan cyclone flooded 80%; 2023's 200 mm rain killed 5. 2025's 20% above-average monsoon, worsened by urbanization and climate change, highlights drainage failures.

Statistics: Rainfall and Disruptions

• Rainfall: 332 mm (Garia), highest in 37 years.
• Deaths: 10 (8 electrocution, 2 collapse).
• Flights: 30 canceled, 42 delayed.

Expert Opinions

IMD: "Low pressure intensifying; cyclone by September 25." Urban planner: "Urbanization exacerbates drainage woes." X: #KolkataRains 70% blame infra.

Potential Impacts

Puja pandals flooded; ₹500 crore economic loss; cyclone threat till September 26.

Conclusion

Kolkata's September 23, 2025, rains killed 10, flooded the city, and disrupted Puja prep. Resilience amid cyclone warning. Updates at nuvexic.com.

FAQ

1. What is the current death toll?

Ten people, including eight due to electrocution and two in building collapses.

2. How much rainfall was recorded?

332 mm in Garia, the highest in September in 37 years.

3. Which metro services were disrupted?

Operations between Shahid Khudiram and Kavi Subhash Maidan stations were suspended.

4. What was the impact on the airport?

More than 30 flights were cancelled and 42 delayed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

5. Were Puja holidays affected?

Yes, they were advanced by two days for schools and colleges.

6. What has the IMD forecasted?

An orange alert until September 26, with warnings of a possible cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal.