Deep Depression to Bring Heavy Rain: Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal are bracing for intense rainfall and stormy conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is moving closer to the state’s coastline. The system, which is intensifying steadily, is expected to trigger heavy to very heavy rain across South Bengal districts, with the possibility of localized flooding, waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and interruptions in daily life.
According to the IMD bulletin, the depression is likely to cross the coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal, bringing with it gusty winds, torrential rain, and potential damage to low-lying regions. The advisory has raised alarms across administrative departments, disaster management teams, and local municipalities, who have begun preparing emergency measures to deal with the incoming weather challenge.
For official alerts and real-time updates, residents can track the India Meteorological Department website, which issues weather bulletins and cyclone warnings.
IMD Forecast: Rainfall and Wind Predictions for Bengal
The weather office has predicted that Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and West Midnapore will receive the heaviest rainfall. Coastal districts are expected to face strong winds ranging from 40–60 km/h, with gusts possibly exceeding 70 km/h in exposed areas.
- South Bengal: Heavy rainfall at many places, with isolated extremely heavy falls.
- North Bengal: Moderate to heavy rain likely in districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar.
- Kolkata: Continuous spells of rain expected to cause waterlogging in several neighborhoods.
The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea as conditions in the Bay of Bengal will remain extremely rough. Port authorities have been alerted to hoist warning signals, especially at Kolkata Port and Haldia Dock Complex.
Impact on Kolkata: Waterlogging and Traffic Concerns
Kolkata, with its already fragile drainage system, is expected to bear the brunt of the rainfall. Areas like Dum Dum, Behala, Tollygunge, Ultadanga, Salt Lake, and Lake Town are prone to severe waterlogging whenever there is heavy downpour.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has already placed pumps and emergency response teams in vulnerable locations. Traffic police are gearing up for congestions and detours as major roads such as EM Bypass, VIP Road, Park Street, and Howrah Bridge approaches are likely to be affected by water accumulation.
The Kolkata Traffic Police has requested commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and use public transport instead of private vehicles wherever possible.
Risk of Flooding in South Bengal Districts
Low-lying regions of East Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, and Howrah may witness temporary flooding due to the combined effect of high tides and heavy rainfall. River embankments in certain vulnerable stretches have been identified by the irrigation department, and preventive measures such as sandbagging and reinforcement are being taken.
The disaster management authority has also been put on high alert, with relief camps and rescue teams kept ready to handle any emergency evacuation if needed.
State Government’s Emergency Preparations
The West Bengal government has issued directives to district magistrates and local administrations to remain on standby. Emergency control rooms have been activated to monitor the situation 24/7.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to citizens to remain cautious and stay indoors during heavy rainfall. She also emphasized the need for coordination between police, municipal bodies, and disaster response teams to minimize the impact of the storm.
Essential services like electricity, drinking water, and healthcare facilities are being monitored closely to ensure uninterrupted supply. The state has also sought cooperation from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams for rapid deployment if required.
Advisory for Citizens: Safety Guidelines
The IMD and state authorities have issued guidelines to ensure public safety:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and storms.
- Stay away from rivers, ponds, and coastal areas to prevent accidents.
- Keep emergency kits ready with drinking water, dry food, medicines, and torches.
- Fishermen are strictly advised not to venture into the sea.
- Residents in waterlogging-prone areas should keep valuables at elevated places.
For live updates on weather warnings and advisories, residents can follow the Disaster Management Department of West Bengal.
Deep Depression to Bring Heavy Rain: Past Instances of Heavy Rainfall Disruption
Kolkata and West Bengal have often faced severe disruptions due to extreme weather events. During the 2019 monsoon, heavy rain caused waterlogging that paralyzed large parts of Kolkata for several days. In 2020, Cyclone Amphan wreaked havoc across Bengal, uprooting trees, damaging infrastructure, and leaving the city in darkness for days.
Such past experiences highlight the vulnerability of urban infrastructure and the importance of preparedness in minimizing losses during extreme weather events.
Possible Effect on Durga Puja Preparations
With Durga Puja just around the corner, the deep depression could dampen festive preparations in Kolkata and across Bengal. Puja committees, especially those setting up elaborate pandals, are concerned about heavy rain damaging decorations, lighting, and temporary structures.
Organizers in areas like Salt Lake, Bagbazar, Deshapriya Park, and Ballygunge are rushing to strengthen bamboo frameworks, cover idols with protective sheets, and make arrangements for waterproof pandals.
Traders and artisans working in Kumartuli, where idols are made, are also anxious as continuous rain could delay painting and finishing work.
Tourism and Travel Impact
With several travelers expected to arrive in Bengal during the festive season, the rain forecast may disrupt travel schedules. Train and flight operations could face delays, especially at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, if visibility and ground conditions worsen.
Tourism stakeholders fear cancellations of hotel bookings and guided tours due to weather concerns. Heritage sites like Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Temple, and Sundarbans tours may see a temporary decline in visitor turnout.
Conclusion: Bengal on High Alert as Nature Takes Center Stage
As the deep depression intensifies over the Bay of Bengal, West Bengal finds itself bracing for another test of resilience. With the IMD warning of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and the risk of flooding, the focus is now on preparedness, coordination, and citizen awareness.
While challenges lie ahead, timely response and safety measures can help the state navigate through the upcoming weather disturbance with minimal damage. Authorities and citizens alike must remain vigilant, as the days ahead will be critical in determining the full impact of this natural phenomenon.
For accurate real-time weather updates, the public is encouraged to follow the India Meteorological Department and the West Bengal Disaster Management Department.
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