Kolkata: At least 12 people have died in Kolkata following record-breaking rainfall, with 251.6 mm of rain falling within 24 hours the heaviest in the city since 1988. The unprecedented downpour has caused widespread flooding, power outages, and severe disruption to transportation.

Most of the fatalities were due to electrocution, with several others resulting from drowning in waterlogged areas. In response, authorities have deployed water pumps and initiated relief measures to manage the flooding.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued rainfall as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal persists.

The private power utility, CESC, proactively cut electricity in several neighborhoods to prevent further electrocution incidents. Plastic waste blocking drainage systems has worsened waterlogging, prompting Mayor Firhad Hakim to personally remove debris from clogged drains in affected areas.

Transportation has been heavily affected, with 187 flights at Kolkata Airport either delayed or canceled due to flooded roads and crew shortages.

The IMD has also issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Maharashtra, Odisha, and Jharkhand from September 24 to 28 as the weather system continues to impact the region.

Residents are urged to stay indoors where possible and follow official updates from authorities and local news sources.