DANA rains lash Kolkata, many areas under knee-deep water

Cyclone Dana completed its landfall late last night near Dhamra, Odisha, with sustained winds and heavy rainfall continuing to affect West Bengal. The city of Kolkata and its neighboring areas, including Howrah and coastal regions like Digha, have faced incessant rains since early morning, leaving several parts of the city underwater. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone made its landfall from 11:10 pm to 4 am before weakening into a severe storm. The residual effects, however, are causing widespread disruption across the region.

In Kolkata, heavy rains recorded 58.8 mm in just three hours this morning, with a total of 100.3 mm of rainfall over the last 24 hours. Streets across the city, from residential neighborhoods to major thoroughfares, have become inundated, with knee-deep water making it challenging for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Notably, SSKM Hospital and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) headquarters have also been submerged, sparking concerns over accessibility and drainage efficiency at key service locations.

The coastal districts are bearing the brunt of Dana’s fury, with areas like Digha and Gangasagar experiencing winds at 70 kmph alongside heavy rain. Residents and authorities in these regions are monitoring water levels and have taken precautionary measures to avoid serious harm, but infrastructure damage is evident in several spots, with roads and facilities flooded due to relentless downpours.

The city’s transportation has also been affected, with most offices remaining closed today as residents opted to stay indoors amidst street flooding and sparse vehicle availability. While the Sealdah train services have resumed, buses and taxis are limited.

According to the IMD, the cyclone’s direct impact on Kolkata and surrounding areas should be reduced by 4 pm, although light to moderate rains are expected throughout the evening. Even with improved weather, normalcy is likely to take time as authorities work to clear roads and drains.

Dana’s impact may have spared Bengal from the worst, but the sheer volume of rainfall and flooding in both urban and coastal zones reminds residents of the risks that continue with such extreme weather patterns. Meanwhile, authorities are encouraging people to remain indoors until further updates signal a return to normal conditions.