Authorities in India’s West Bengal state have stated that record rainfall in Kolkata, the state capital, has caused widespread flooding in many areas and led to the deaths of 12 people so far. The Indian Meteorological Department reported that 251.6 millimeters of rain fell yesterday alone, marking the first time such an amount of rainfall has been recorded since 1988. Roads in many parts of Kolkata were submerged, disrupting transport and leaving many stranded.
Police stated that most of the deaths in Kolkata were due to electrocution. As Hindus prepared for a religious festival, the deteriorating weather conditions led to the cancellation of public transport services and several flights. While efforts are underway to drain floodwaters using pumps, schools and colleges have been closed for today and tomorrow. The Meteorological Department forecasts that adverse weather conditions will persist in the area for the next two days.
