Large areas of Kolkata and its surroundings waterlogged due to torrential rains
Heavy rainfall caused by a deep depression has led to severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions across Kolkata and surrounding districts. The meteorological department has issued warnings for continued heavy downpours in several parts of West Bengal.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events significantly impact urban infrastructure and daily life, highlighting the vulnerability of major cities to climate-induced rainfall.
Normal life came to a standstill in Kolkata on Monday (August 17, 2026) as incessant rains induced by a deep depression since early Monday (August 17) caused waterlogging exacerbating traffic snarls during office hours.
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was witnessed at several parts of the State due to a well-marked low-pressure system over the Northwest Bay of Bengal that rapidly intensified into a depression.
Alipore Regional Meteorological Centre, in an official statement, said that the system was centred near Kolkata around 8:30 a.m. and is likely move towards Jharkhand and Bihar in the next 24 hours.
Haldia in Purba Medinipur district recorded the maximum rainfall of 134 mm in 24 hours till 8:30 a.m. on Monday (August 17). The coastal town of Digha received 113 mm of rain, while Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district recorded 112 mm of rainfall during the same period.
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