Heavy rain triggers traffic snarls across Kolkata; north Bengal on flood watch

Heavy rainfall lashed Kolkata and several adjoining districts of south Bengal on Friday morning, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion and disruptions to daily life. The downpour inundated roads across parts of central and north Kolkata, Salt Lake and Sector V, slowing vehicular movement during peak office hours and leaving commuters stranded in several areas.

Officials of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) said reports of waterlogging had been received from multiple locations, although the situation was not considered severe. Civic authorities pressed pumping stations and drainage systems into service to clear accumulated water and deployed personnel to monitor vulnerable stretches.

"Water is expected to recede once the rain stops. Pumping stations are functioning and civic teams are on alert," a KMC official said.

The rain also affected residential areas, with water entering homes and educational institutions in some low-lying localities. In neighbouring Howrah district, classes at a school in Bally had to be suspended after rainwater entered several classrooms. A teacher said preparations for International Day of Yoga celebrations were also disrupted as students were unable to use waterlogged facilities.

The civic administration has heightened its preparedness ahead of International Day of Yoga on Sunday, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend a programme at Kolkata's Red Road. Officials said a dedicated control room has been set up and emergency response teams remain on standby.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Alipore recorded 43.6 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 11.30 am, while Dum Dum received 58 mm and Salt Lake recorded 80 mm during the same period.

NORTH BENGAL ON RED ALERT TOO

Meanwhile, concerns are growing in North Bengal as continuous rainfall in the hills triggered a sharp rise in the water level of the Teesta River. The Irrigation Department has issued a yellow alert for unprotected riverbank areas between Domohoni and the Bangladesh border.

Officials said heavy rainfall in Sikkim, Bhutan and the Darjeeling hills has led to rising water levels in the Teesta and several other rivers across the region. Residents living along the riverbanks have been advised to remain vigilant amid fears of flooding and erosion.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar over the next few days. Extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm has been predicted at isolated places in Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, while thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are also expected across parts of North Bengal.

Authorities are closely monitoring river conditions and have urged residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas to follow official advisories as the wet spell is expected to continue through the weekend.

- Ends

With inputs from PTI and ANI