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Heavy Rain Warning for Kolkata and South Bengal

people riding bicycles through a flooded street
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A strong low-pressure area has become well marked over the Bay of Bengal, triggering heavy rainfall across parts of West Bengal, including the city of Kolkata, according to local weather reports.

Officials have issued a red alert, the highest category of weather warning, for three districts in South Bengal, signalling a serious risk to residents from continuous and intense rain.

Meteorologists have forecast that Kolkata could experience heavy rain throughout the day, as the system, which formed over the sea, continues to intensify and move closer to the coast.

The development comes towards the end of the monsoon season, the annual period of heavy seasonal rainfall that affects large parts of South Asia between roughly June and September.

Reports describe this as a second spell of monsoon rain to hit the region, with several districts expected to face flooding as rivers and low-lying areas struggle to cope with the volume of water.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring the low-pressure system, as such formations can sometimes strengthen further, bringing additional wind and rain hazards to coastal and inland areas alike.

Authorities have not specified precisely how long the disruptive weather is expected to persist, though local coverage suggests the situation could continue to affect the state for several more days.

Residents in the alerted districts have been urged to remain cautious and follow official guidance as the situation develops, with further updates expected as the low-pressure system evolves.

Vocabulary7 words

low-pressure area
a weather system that often brings strong rain
red alert
the most serious level of danger warning
monsoon
the season of heavy seasonal rain in South Asia
flooding
water spreading over land that is usually dry
meteorologist
a person who studies and predicts weather
spell
a period of a particular kind of weather
intensify
to become stronger

Quiz

1. What has become well marked over the Bay of Bengal?
2. Why has a red alert been issued in three districts?
3. True or False: Authorities have given an exact number of days for how long the bad weather will last.

Discussion questions

  1. What are the possible risks of heavy monsoon rain for a large city like Kolkata?
  2. Why is it important for authorities to issue alerts like red warnings ahead of severe weather?
  3. How might repeated spells of heavy rain affect people living in flood-prone districts?
  4. What challenges do meteorologists face when predicting how long a weather event will last?

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