TMC, BJP clash as Kolkata rains kill 10 ahead
Kolkata rains caused multiple deaths and disrupted flights, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party to criticize the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming a failure in maintaining civil order amid the city’s worsening flood and infrastructure crisis.
Kolkata Battling Unprecedented Rains Ahead of Durga Puja; 10 Dead, City Paralyzed
As Kolkata prepares for the much-awaited Durga Puja festivities, the city has been engulfed by unprecedented rainfall, leaving residents struggling with floods, transport disruptions, and tragic fatalities. Traditionally, the festival season in Bengal is marked by humid heat and bustling celebrations, but this year, incessant rains—reported as the heaviest since 1986 and the sixth-highest single-day rainfall in 137 years—have transformed the city into a waterlogged landscape, dampening the festive spirit and testing civic infrastructure.
The heavy rains have already claimed at least 10 lives, with nine of the deaths attributed to electrocution, highlighting the dangers posed by waterlogged streets and exposed electrical lines. The deluge has not spared transportation, as flights were delayed or canceled, and road and rail connectivity was severely affected. Commuters found themselves stranded in flooded streets while schools and colleges remained closed. In response, the West Bengal government declared Durga Puja holidays in advance, giving students and workers some relief from the chaos.
The situation has also sparked political tensions. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lashed out at the state government, led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging a breakdown of civil order in the face of natural disaster. Party leaders criticized the administration for failing to maintain basic civic services and for not being adequately prepared for emergency response, while emphasizing the preventable nature of some of the tragedies, particularly deaths from electrocution.
Social media accounts have provided a stark glimpse of life in the flooded city. Netizens shared images and videos of homes submerged in water, with residents moving their furniture to upper floors in an attempt to salvage belongings. Many people were seen trudging barefoot through knee- to waist-deep, filthy floodwaters, navigating a city that has been temporarily paralyzed by nature’s fury.
Roads have turned into virtual rivers, with cars, buses, and two-wheelers stranded or slowly inching forward. Traffic jams stretched for hours in many areas, while emergency services struggled to reach affected neighborhoods. Hospitals reported an increase in patients seeking treatment for water-borne illnesses, slips, and injuries caused by submerged hazards.
Residents of low-lying areas were particularly vulnerable, with several communities reporting water entering ground-floor homes. Families scrambled to protect possessions and pets, and volunteers and neighborhood groups mobilized to assist those trapped or stranded. In some cases, people waded through floodwaters carrying elderly relatives, children, and essential supplies, displaying resilience amid chaos.
Meteorologists have warned that more rainfall is expected over the coming days, raising fears of further flooding. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts, urging citizens to exercise caution, avoid non-essential travel, and follow instructions from local authorities. Despite the warnings, many streets remain inadequately drained, highlighting long-standing challenges with the city’s infrastructure.
Amid the tragedy, stories of solidarity have emerged. Neighbors helped rescue stranded residents, volunteers distributed food and drinking water to those stuck in waterlogged areas, and some local fishermen and boat owners used their small boats to ferry people to safer ground. These acts of humanity have offered some relief and hope amid the devastation, showing how communities come together in times of crisis.
For many Kolkata residents, the floods have overshadowed what is usually the city’s most vibrant festival season. Durga Puja, a time of family gatherings, elaborate decorations, and cultural performances, has been affected as preparations were delayed or washed out. Street markets, pandals, and other festive installations have been submerged, forcing organizers to rethink layouts and schedules to ensure safety.
Political disputes have also intensified the stress. While the state government focused on rescue and relief operations, the opposition accused officials of neglecting civic duties and inadequate urban planning. Citizens, however, voiced frustration with both natural calamity and administrative challenges, highlighting the complex intersection of governance, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness.
Experts note that climate change and extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, and cities like Kolkata, with dense populations and aging drainage systems, are particularly vulnerable. Urban planning, flood management, and public awareness are critical in minimizing loss of life and property.
As the rains continue to batter Kolkata, the city faces not only the immediate challenge of managing floods but also the broader task of recovering from a disaster that has left its mark on homes, streets, and lives. For those navigating the waterlogged roads, helping stranded neighbors, or mourning lost loved ones, the monsoon of 2025 will be remembered as one of the most intense in recent memory.
Amid the political blame game, infrastructure challenges, and the devastation, the resilience of Kolkata’s citizens stands out. From rescuing stranded families to distributing essential supplies and caring for the vulnerable, the human spirit shines even when the city struggles under nature’s fury. The coming days will test Kolkata’s ability to recover, rebuild, and celebrate Durga Puja in the shadow of unprecedented rains.