By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 25 Sep,2025

Kolkata, one of India’s most vibrant cities, has been left devastated after record-breaking rainfall caused widespread flooding, claiming the lives of at least 12 people. What began as heavy showers quickly escalated into one of the worst rain-related disasters in recent memory, paralyzing daily life and exposing the fragility of the city’s infrastructure.

A City Underwater

The rainfall, described by weather officials as the heaviest Kolkata has seen in decades, poured down relentlessly for more than 24 hours. Streets across the city were submerged, with water levels rising so high that buses, cars, and even rickshaws were stranded mid-road. In some areas, water entered ground-floor homes and shops, forcing families to evacuate or remain trapped indoors.

Footage shared on social media showed iconic landmarks — from Howrah Bridge to Park Street — surrounded by water, as the city’s drainage systems failed to cope with the sheer volume of rain. For many residents, the situation felt less like a monsoon shower and more like a natural disaster.

Lives Lost Amid Chaos

Tragically, at least 12 people have lost their lives so far due to rain-related incidents. Most of the casualties were caused by electrocution, collapsing walls, and drowning in waterlogged lanes. Among the victims were children and elderly residents who were unable to escape in time. Rescue teams have been deployed across the city, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) stepping in to assist state authorities.

Hospitals too have been under pressure, treating a rising number of patients for injuries and waterborne diseases. Doctors have warned of possible outbreaks of dengue, malaria, and gastroenteritis in the coming days due to stagnant water across neighborhoods.

Transport Comes to a Halt

The city’s transport system was completely thrown into disarray. Trains were delayed or canceled, buses broke down in waterlogged areas, and flights faced hours-long disruptions at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Metro services, usually the backbone of Kolkata’s daily commute, were partially suspended due to water entering underground stations.

Office-goers and schoolchildren found themselves stranded for hours, with many wading through waist-deep water to reach safety. Delivery services, shops, and even essential supply chains were hit hard, leaving citizens frustrated and helpless.

Power Cuts and CommunicationBreakdown

Adding to the misery, many neighborhoods faced long hours of power outages as authorities cut electricity to prevent electrocution accidents. Internet and phone connectivity were also disrupted in several parts of the city. For families with young children or elderly members, the blackout made an already dire situation even worse.

Residents complained that emergency helplines were jammed, making it difficult to seek timely help. Volunteers and community groups stepped in, offering food, water, and shelter to those stranded.

Climate Change and Urban Fragility

This disaster has once again raised pressing questions about how Indian cities are coping with climate change. Experts note that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent due to global warming, and Kolkata’s outdated drainage systems are simply not designed for such heavy downpours.

Environmentalists argue that years of unchecked urbanization — including the filling up of wetlands and poor waste management — have worsened the city’s flood vulnerability. “Kolkata was once known for its natural drainage through ponds and canals, but most of them have vanished. What we are witnessing now is the price of ignoring ecological balance,” one expert explained.

Voices from the Ground

For the people of Kolkata, the disaster is not just about statistics but about survival. “Our shop has been underwater for two days. All our stock is ruined. Who will compensate us?” asked a small business owner in Burrabazar.

A mother in North Kolkata shared her fear: “My children are coughing constantly. The water in our home is filthy, but we have nowhere else to go.”

Despite the hardships, stories of solidarity have emerged. Strangers helped push stranded vehicles, residents cooked meals for neighbors, and volunteers distributed essentials in waterlogged areas. These acts of kindness reflect the resilient spirit of Kolkata, even in its darkest hours.

Government Response

The state government has announced ex-gratia compensation for families of the deceased and promised urgent relief measures. Pumps are being deployed to clear water from major roads, while additional shelters have been set up for those displaced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee both expressed condolences to the families of the victims. However, opposition parties have criticized the government for failing to invest in sustainable infrastructure, accusing leaders of ignoring repeated warnings about the city’s drainage crisis.

What Lies Ahead

Weather forecasts suggest that more rain is likely in the coming days, sparking concerns of further flooding. Schools and colleges have been closed temporarily, while authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Long-term, experts insist that Kolkata must rethink its urban planning, invest in modern drainage systems, and restore its lost wetlands. Without these changes, the city risks facing repeated disasters every monsoon season.

Conclusion

The record rainfall in Kolkata has left at least 12 dead and millions struggling with floodwaters, blackouts, and daily disruptions. While the disaster has exposed glaring weaknesses in infrastructure, it has also shown the resilience of ordinary citizens who continue to support one another through adversity.

Kolkata, the “City of Joy,” is now grappling with grief and hardship, but the tragedy serves as a wake-up call for governments and citizens alike. Unless climate preparedness and sustainable urban planning become a priority, the floods of today could become the norm of tomorrow.Kolkata, one of India’s most vibrant cities, has been left devastated after record-breaking rainfall caused widespread flooding, claiming the lives of at least 12 people. What began as heavy showers quickly escalated into one of the worst rain-related disasters in recent memory, paralyzing daily life and exposing the fragility of the city’s infrastructure.