Kolkata Drenched: Heavy Rain Paralyses City Amid Pre-Durga Puja Downpour

Kolkata woke up to intense and persistent rainfall on September 22, 2025, causing widespread waterlogging and disruption throughout the city. The overnight showers have left roads submerged, homes inundated, and daily life severely impacted, setting a challenging scene as the city gears up for the grand Durga Puja celebrations.

 

Torrential Rains and Waterlogging Disrupt Life

The rainfall began around midnight, escalating into very heavy showers that inundated many parts of Kolkata. Several neighborhoods, especially in southern and eastern areas like Garia Kamdahari, Jodhpur Park, and Kalighat, recorded rainfall exceeding 250 mm within a few hours. Some pockets reported water levels reaching knee-deep, bringing public transportation and traffic to a near halt. Residential complexes also reported seepage and flooding, triggering distress among residents.

 

According to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Garia Kamdahari recorded 332 mm of rain, Jodhpur Park 285 mm, and Kalighat 280 mm. Such heavy precipitation in a short span is exceptional and puts a strain on the city's drainage infrastructure.

 

Meteorologists attribute the heavy rains to a low-pressure system forming over the northeast Bay of Bengal, predicted to linger and cause intermittent heavy to very heavy rain across South Bengal districts including Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura.

 

Weather Forecast and Safety Advisory

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued light to moderate showers with isolated heavy downpours through September 24. A fresh low-pressure area is also expected to develop by September 25 over the east-central Bay of Bengal, potentially leading to more rainfall in the region.

 

For residents and visitors, this means staying prepared for intermittent rain interruptions, possible travel delays, and localized flooding. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and take safety precautions, particularly near waterlogged areas and low-lying localities.

 

Impact on Durga Puja Preparations

This heavy rainfall comes at a critical time when Kolkata and surrounding regions are finalizing preparations for the Durga Puja festivities. The rain poses logistical challenges for pandal constructions, processions, and crowd management.

 

Despite the weather, organizers and city officials are working round-the-clock to reinforce drainage systems and ensure the smooth execution of festivities. The rain is also expected to cool down the temperatures from the recent warm spell, providing some relief in terms of humidity and heat.

 

Resident and Official Responses

Social media buzz has been dominated by images and videos showing submerged roads, flooded markets, and impacted neighborhoods. Many citizens have called for better infrastructure improvements to handle such flash floods.

 

City officials have deployed emergency response teams, traffic police, and municipal workers to manage water clearance and assist stranded commuters. The KMC is actively monitoring drainage systems to prevent overflow and reduce water stagnation.

 

Historical and Seasonal Context

September is typically among the rainier months in Kolkata, with an average of 15 to 22 rainy days and total monthly precipitation exceeding 250 mm. However, this week’s downpour stands out for its intensity and sudden onset.

 

Monsoon withdrawal is usually gradual in Bengal, with residual low-pressure systems continuing to bring rain well into September, sometimes even October. This year’s monsoon has been normal to slightly above average in rainfall, contributing to such incidents of heavy localized showers.

 

Sources: NDTV, India Meteorological Department (IMD) official forecasts and bulletins, Times of India, The Hans India, Weather25 and AccuWeather