Heavy Rain Cripples Kolkata Ahead of Durga Puja; Streets Flooded, 5 Dead from Electrocution

Kolkata came to a standstill on Monday as relentless rainfall led to severe waterlogging across the city, just days before the start of Durga Puja celebrations.

Major roads and residential areas were submerged, causing widespread disruption to daily life and public transport. Amid the chaos, at least five people lost their lives due to electrocution in separate incidents linked to waterlogged streets and exposed electrical wiring.

The downpour, which began early in the morning, overwhelmed drainage systems and brought traffic to a crawl in several parts of the city. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and have launched emergency response measures to tackle the crisis.

 With Durga Puja preparations in full swing, the timing of the deluge has raised concerns among organizers and citizens alike, casting a shadow over Bengal’s biggest festival.