A deep depression over the Northwest Bay of Bengal has unleashed torrential rains on Kolkata, causing widespread waterlogging and crippling traffic across the city's major arteries.
- Severe waterlogging reported in Kolkata, Salt Lake, and Howrah.
- Haldia recorded the highest rainfall at 134 mm.
- System expected to move towards Jharkhand and Bihar within 24 hours.
Normal life in Kolkata came to a grinding halt on Monday, August 17, 2026, as incessant rainfall triggered by a deep depression caused massive waterlogging. The downpour, which began early Monday, exacerbated traffic congestion during peak office hours, leaving thousands of commuters stranded in knee-deep water.
The meteorological turmoil was driven by a well-marked low-pressure system over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, which rapidly intensified into a depression. According to the Alipore Regional Meteorological Centre, the system was centered near Kolkata around 8:30 a.m. and is projected to track towards Jharkhand and Bihar over the next 24 hours.
Rainfall Distribution and Impact
The intensity of the rain varied across the state, with coastal and southern districts bearing the brunt. Haldia in the Purba Medinipur district recorded the highest rainfall of 134 mm in 24 hours. Other significant readings included 113 mm in Digha and 112 mm in Diamond Harbour.
| Location | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| Haldia | 134 |
| Digha | 113 |
| Diamond Harbour | 112 |
In the heart of the city, major thoroughfares including Central Avenue, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Thanthania, College Street, Amherst Street, Park Circus Connector, and Khidirpur witnessed severe waterlogging, turning roads into rivers and creating massive traffic snarls.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the recurring nature of these urban floods in Kolkata highlights a critical gap between urban expansion and drainage capacity. As weather patterns become more extreme due to climate change, the frequency of 'deep depressions' in the Bay of Bengal is likely to increase, necessitating a complete overhaul of the city's stormwater management.
"The rapid intensification of low-pressure systems into depressions creates a 'cloudburst-like' effect in urban centers, where the volume of water exceeds the hourly discharge capacity of the sewers."
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecasts for extremely heavy rainfall in Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, and Bankura districts. Additionally, very heavy downpours are expected in Purba Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Purulia, Howrah, Hooghly, and the Bardhaman districts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What caused the sudden flooding in Kolkata?
The flooding was caused by a deep depression originating from a low-pressure system in the Northwest Bay of Bengal, leading to extremely heavy rainfall.
2. Which areas of Kolkata were most affected by traffic?
Major areas including Central Avenue, MG Road, and Park Circus Connector experienced severe snarls due to knee-deep water.
