Torrential rains in Kolkata ruins the pre-festive season, Heaviest recorded rainfall after 39 years

After almost 39 years Kolkata has experienced the heaviest downpour, spoiling the pre-festive season of Durga Puja. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has cancelled all her in-person Puja pandal Inaugurations and took part virtually. 

Kolkata experiences the heaviest in 39 years

After 39 years, Kolkata has experienced the most terrifying rains and ruined the pre-festive season of Durga Puja. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has revealed that the downpour that initiated on Monday evening may end on 25 September 2025. 

IMD has recorded the sixth-highest single day downpour in 137 years. Kolkata has been grappling with heavy rains, almost 10 people died of electrocution in stagnant water. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blaimed the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) for the incident. Commercial areas like New Market, Gariahat, Hatibagan, Burrabazar and College Street that are known for their bustling bazaars are known to be quiet. 

Scenes in kolkata after recieving 300+mm rainfall in few hours last night.
We need to prepare city drainage for atleast 400mm rainfall given the way weather is changing. pic.twitter.com/XU1lnfe4ON

— Saurabh Kedia (@Saurabh1680) September 23, 2025

Numerous pictures have emerged online that show people and vehicles passing through severe waterlogged areas. These images indicate poor management by the West Bengal government and show how precautions were not taken to deal with the situation. 

Kumurtulis and Pandals in Salt lake, Ultadanga, Dum Dum and many more places are all drenched and meticulously designed pandals are all shattered. The city received over 247mm rainfall in 24 hours (September 23) leading to severe waterlogging issues. Daily commuters faced great difficulty as suburban railway and metro services were disrupted.

Durga Puja begins from Sunday and the excitement seems to have hit the rock bottom due to the rains and the aftermath the residents have to undergo. 

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