Record Rainfall in Kolkata: 3 Electrocuted, Schools Closed, Metro Service Hit Full Situation Report

Introduction

Kolkata is reeling from a severe bout of rainfall that began overnight and has caused major disruptions across the city. Streets are flooded, metro services suspended, schools have been shut for the day, and tragically, three people died due to electrocution. This blog breaks down what led to the situation, what the current status is, how long disruptions may continue, and what the implications are — along with positives, negatives, and final thoughts.

History / Background

• Kolkata, due to its low-lying topography, old drainage systems, and proximity to the Bay of Bengal, is no stranger to heavy monsoon or pre-monsoon rains. During Durga Puja season, rainfall can often threaten puja preparations, pandal structures, and last-mile connectivity.

• The city’s infrastructure in many parts already struggles with waterlogging during strong rains because drains get clogged, underground metro drainage is often insufficient in sudden deluges, and power lines can get exposed during flooding.

• Previous instances (during cyclone, high tide plus rain events) have led to metro suspensions, train cancellations, school closures etc. This latest event is one among such recurrent crises, but the intensity and night-timing made it worse.

Why Is This Sudden Heavy Rainfall Happening?

• According to meteorological reports, a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal has intensified, bringing with it very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong wind potential.  

• IMD (India Meteorological Department) has also flagged alerts and forewarned that parts of South Bengal, Kolkata included, will see heavy rainfall over the next few days.

• The combination of overnight downpours and insufficient pre-emptive drainage/dewatering operations has led to waterlogging. Flooded roadways, track inundation, residences partially submerged — all these have compounded the problem. 

Present Situation & Key Impacts

How Long Will Disruptions Last? Schools / Metro Closures etc.

• Schools: Closed for today (23 September 2025). No announcements yet about multi-day closures. It depends on how quickly water can be drained, services restored, and safety assured. 

• Metro & Trains: Metro services are partially suspended for now (especially in the expressed stretch). They will resume once tracks are cleared of water and safe for operations. No fixed timeline given yet. 

• Public Transport / Traffic: Likely to remain disrupted until waterlogging is cleared, drains are cleared, and roads are safe. Expect delays, limited operations.

Key Points & Latest Buzz

• Rainfall measurements were extreme: some localities recorded 200-300+ mm of rain in just a few hours (Garia Kamdahari ~332 mm, Ballygunge ~264 mm, Kalighat ~280 mm etc.) 

• Airlines (IndiGo, SpiceJet) issued travel advisories; flights may be delayed or diverted.

• Officials are working to pump out water, disconnect power in flooded zones, clear debris, and issue warnings to people not to venture out in low lying / flooded areas. 

• Durga Puja preparations also impacted: pandal building, clay idol work, roads used by puja organisers flooded. 

Drawbacks / Challenges

• Life & Safety Risks: Electrocution risk remains high; people venturing out into flooded areas (even for daily needs) remain exposed.

• Damage to Property: Homes, shops, ground floors suffer water damage. Pujas, decorations etc. may be destroyed or delayed.

• Infrastructure Weaknesses Exposed: Drainage systems, metro track design, power line safety all under stress; weak maintenance or planning becomes visible.

• Economic Losses: Businesses, offices losing revenue due to closure, transport services disruption, waterlogged roads causing delays.

• Psychological and Health Effects: Risk of waterborne diseases, discomfort, disrupted routines, stress on daily wage earners.

Positives / Advantages (Though Limited)

• Awareness of Preparedness Gaps: Such extreme events stress test systems — from metro, drainage, disaster response. Authorities may learn and invest to improve.

• Community Solidarity: Often during such events, city responds with community help, neighbourhood aid etc.

• Media Attention / Pressure: Negative impacts tend to bring public demand for better infrastructure, better rain forecasting, and urban planning.

Significance & Broader Implications

• Urban Climate Resilience: Events like this show how climate change, sea level rise, and erratic rainfall make cities like Kolkata more vulnerable. Enhancing infrastructure to handle flash floods becomes critical.

• Public Health and Safety Policies: Need for safer power line designs, better warning systems, emergency response.

• Impact on Festivals & Culture: Durga Puja is near; preparations disrupted could affect celebrations, tourism etc. Cultural and economic implications.

• Transport Reliability: Confidence in public transport (metro, trains) depends on how quickly such disruptions are managed.

Positive & Negative Summary

Final Thoughts & Conclusion

The heavy rainfall in Kolkata on 23 September 2025 underscores the fragile balance between nature’s extremes and urban infrastructure. While parts of the city are known to flood, the scale and suddenness of these rains, combined with inadequate drainage and exposed power lines, turned a routine monsoon into a crisis for many.

What is crucial now is how quickly the city administration responds — clearing waterlogged roads, restoring metro & train services, ensuring power safety, helping affected residents — and what learnings emerge for future resilience. For citizens, caution is key: avoid venturing into flooded zones, follow advisories, stay informed.

In conclusion, while such rainfall events are not entirely uncommon in Kolkata, the magnitude of disruption this time makes it a warning: climate-adapted urban planning, improved infrastructure, stronger emergency response and better forecasting are no longer optional — they are essential. The hope is that this crisis spurs long-term improvements, rather than just temporary relief measures.