Kolkata battered by heavy rain: 7 die of electrocution, normal lives disrupted; schools and colleges shut

Several streets, lanes and bylanes were inundated in quite unprecedented rainfall for around five hours overnight.

The daily commuters faced massive difficulty in reaching their destinations as the flooded streets forced the traffic disruption.

The public buses were barely noticed on roads leaving the daily passengers in deep trouble.

The metro services, which are currently the lifeline of the busy city, were affected in the morning. Waterlogging was reported from the blue line that covers the North-South stretch.

The Mahanayak Uttam Kumar (Tollygunge area) and Rabindra Sarobar metro stations were significantly affected by the waterlogging.

The waterlogging on tracks forced the suspension of movement of trains in the Sealdah South section.

As per the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) data, rainfall received in different locations are Garia Kamdahari (332 mm), Jodhpur Park (285 mm), Kalighat (280 mm), Topsia (275 mm) and Ballygunge (264 mm).

The academic activities including examinations were called off by Calcutta University and Jadavpur University. Presidency University has suspended its academic works for the day.

Schools have declared holiday in a situation where travelling through flooded streets has become an insurmountable task.

Major state-run hospitals were flooded affecting the health services significantly as well.

The Durga Puja pandals or marquees were also gripped by waterlogging dampening the festive mood that had just kicked in with Mahalaya on Sunday.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed schools to remain closed and office-goers advised not to report to work, prioritising public safety over routine activities.

She also raised serious concerns over the role of CESC, underscoring their responsibility to ensure uninterrupted and safe electricity supply, and called for immediate field action to prevent further harm to residents.

"I haven't witnessed such a heavy downpour since my childhood," says Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, who has been in the control room throughout, has advised residents of the city to stay indoors if possible.