Heavy rain alert for Kolkata and Bengal threatens to mar Durga Puja finale on Dashami

Kolkata rains

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple districts of West Bengal, with the downpour expected to peak on October 2 - the day of Dashami, which marks the climactic end of the Durga Puja celebrations.

According to a report by The Indian Express, Kolkata and its surrounding areas, already grappling with severe waterlogging from recent rains, are set for further disruption.

The IMD bulletin predicts light to moderate rain or thunderstorms across most of South Bengal, with specific warnings of intense rainfall.

The meteorological warning places several districts on high alert. South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, North 24 Parganas and Hooghly districts could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, quantified between 7 cm and 20 cm.

Kolkata, along with West Midnapore, Jhargram, Howrah, Nadia, Murshidabad and Birbhum, is also likely to be hit by heavy rain, with estimates between 7 cm and 11 cm.

The IMD has further warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph in some areas of South Bengal, including East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas.

The adverse weather is not confined to the southern parts of the state. As detailed in The Indian Express report, North Bengal districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Coochbehar and the Dinajpur and Malda districts, are also bracing for heavy to very heavy rainfall on Dashami.

In its advisory, the IMD has cautioned residents to prepare for significant disruptions. Waterlogging in low-lying areas and underpasses, coupled with traffic congestion, is highly likely between October 2 and 4.

This warning comes amid a backdrop of pre-existing challenges, as videos of severe waterlogging in Kolkata and other regions just before the Puja celebrations began have already been widely shared on social media platforms.

The forecast spells potential trouble for the millions of revellers who take to the streets on Dashami for the traditional immersion processions of Durga idols.

The anticipated inclement weather could mar the festivities and complicate logistics for both organisers and civic authorities.