India: Kolkata Faces Worst Rainfall in Four Decades, City Flooded

India: Kolkata Faces Worst Rainfall in Four Decades, City Flooded
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Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, India, is grappling with severe flooding following the heaviest rainfall in over 40 years, Arab News reported. Since Monday night, the city and its suburbs have experienced extensive waterlogging, flooding key roads and disrupting public transport.

On Tuesday, Kolkata recorded 251.6 mm of rain within 24 hours, the highest since 1986, caused by low pressure over the northeast Bay of Bengal. The intense rainfall has brought the city to a standstill, forcing residents to wade through flooded streets.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the event as unprecedented and announced compensation for families of at least eight people who died in flood-related incidents. Local reports suggest the death toll, including electrocution victims, may be higher.

Residents and officials noted the severity of the flooding is unusual, with much of the city still waterlogged and struggling to return to normal.