Heavy Rain and Storm Warning Hit Kolkata and South Bengal
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A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has shifted closer to Kolkata, triggering very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across South Bengal, according to weather officials.
The region has been enduring continuous downpours, and forecasters have warned that the disruptive weather is unlikely to ease soon.
Kolkata, the state capital, has been particularly hard hit, with several major roads submerged under knee-deep water following relentless rain.
The flooding has brought public transport to a near-total standstill, leaving commuters stranded and disrupting daily life across the city.
Adding to the concern, a fresh low-pressure system has developed over the Bay of Bengal, intensifying the ongoing weather crisis in the region.
In response, authorities have issued a red alert, the highest level of weather warning, indicating a serious risk to life and property.
A storm warning has also been issued for the sea, prompting officials to advise fishermen and sailors to avoid venturing into coastal waters until conditions improve.
There are growing fears that Kolkata could face renewed flooding if the rainfall does not subside in the coming days.
The meteorological department has confirmed that very heavy rain will persist across South Bengal, with the disruptive weather expected to continue at least through Tuesday.
Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have begun preparations to manage further waterlogging and potential flooding.
Residents have been urged to avoid non-essential travel while the alert remains in place, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
The situation underscores the recurring challenge that seasonal heavy rainfall poses for Kolkata's infrastructure, which has repeatedly struggled to cope with sudden, intense downpours.
Officials have not yet indicated when normal conditions are likely to return, given the presence of the newly formed low-pressure system in the bay.
Vocabulary7 words
- low-pressure area
- a weather system that often brings rain and storms
- knee-deep
- water high enough to reach the knees
- public transport
- buses, trains, and other shared transport
- standstill
- a complete stop of movement or activity
- red alert
- the highest, most serious warning level
- storm warning
- an official notice that a storm is approaching
- meteorological department
- the government office responsible for weather forecasting
Quiz
Answer key
1. A fresh low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal 2. To tell fishermen and sailors to avoid coastal waters 3. False
Discussion questions
- What long-term measures could help cities like Kolkata cope better with recurring flooding?
- How do low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal typically affect weather in eastern India?
- What responsibilities do local authorities have during a red alert situation?
- In what ways can extreme weather events like this affect a city's economy and daily life?