'Never seen rain like this': CM Mamata Banerjee reacts as heavy rainfall disrupts normal life in Kolkata

Mamata Banerjee

At least seven people died of electrocution after incessant rainfall lashed Kolkata on Monday and Tuesday. Several areas were flooded and reported severe waterlogging, causing vehicles to be rendered immobile.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reacted to the developments in the state capital. "I have never seen rain like this. I feel so bad for the people who have lost their lives in the cloudburst. I heard 7–8 people have died due to electrocution by open or unattended wires. It is so unfortunate…” Mamata Banerjee told a Bengali news channel, according to PTI.

"I am saying this clearly. We will also do whatever is possible to help," the chief minister said, adding that the families of the deceased must be given jobs by the power utility CESC.

Media reports said that the rainfall in Kolkata happened constantly for over seven hours, causing streets and roads to be flooded. The rainfall disrupted traffic and metro services too.

Meanwhile, the heavy rainfall also forced authorities to close schools in the city and also dampened the spirit of Durga Puja, which started on Sunday and marks the biggest festival of the state.

While making the weather prediction, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal was likely to bring heavy rain to south Bengal, including Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura districts until Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the intensity of rain was higher in Kolkata’s southern and eastern parts. Garia Kamdahari recorded 332 mm of rain in a few hours, Jodhpur Park 285 mm, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) said. Kalighat recorded 280 mm of rain, Topsia 275 mm, and Ballygunge 264 mm. Thantania (north Kolkata) received 195 mm of rain.

Further, the rainfall also affected operations at the Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. According to a Kolkata Airport official cited by ANI, at least 30 flights were cancelled and 42 others were delayed.