Kolkata

Intense rainfall on Friday morning caused widespread waterlogging across several parts of Kolkata and neighbouring districts of south Bengal, leading to traffic congestion, disruptions in daily activities and inconvenience for commuters.

Areas in central and northern Kolkata, along with Salt Lake and Sector V, witnessed significant accumulation of rainwater. The inundated roads slowed vehicular movement during peak office hours, resulting in long traffic snarls across major routes.

Officials of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation said multiple complaints of waterlogging had been received from different localities, though they maintained that the situation remained manageable.

According to civic authorities, pumping stations were activated immediately and drainage systems were functioning to clear accumulated water. Municipal staff have been deployed in vulnerable areas, with officials expressing confidence that water levels would recede once rainfall subsides.

The civic body has also heightened its preparedness ahead of the International Day of Yoga celebrations scheduled for Sunday, where Narendra Modi is expected to participate in a programme at Red Road. A dedicated control room has been established and emergency teams remain on standby.

The downpour affected several low-lying neighbourhoods, with water entering residential buildings and educational institutions. Residents, students and office-goers faced considerable inconvenience as a result.

In neighbouring Howrah, a school in Bally was forced to suspend classes after rainwater flooded multiple classrooms. Preparatory yoga sessions being conducted ahead of Yoga Day celebrations were also disrupted.

Officials at the school said teaching activities could not continue as several rooms became unusable due to water accumulation.

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Data from the India Meteorological Department showed substantial rainfall within a three-hour period. Between 8:30 am and 11:30 am, Alipore recorded 43.6 mm of rain, Dum Dum received 58 mm, while Salt Lake registered the highest rainfall at 80 mm.