Kolkata, 25 July (H.S.) -Torrential rain since Thursday night has left large parts of central Kolkata submerged, causing severe disruption in daily life and traffic movement. Key stretches such as Park Street, Central Avenue, College Street, Thanthania, Vivekananda Road, and Kankurgachi were inundated by early Friday morning.

The persistent rainfall led to traffic gridlocks, as waterlogged roads forced motorists to either abandon or push their vehicles through knee-deep water. Commuters faced serious difficulties returning home late at night, with several motorcycles seen being manually pushed through flooded streets.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the heavy rainfall to a low-pressure system that has formed over the North Bay of Bengal. This system is a residual effect of the devastating Typhoon Wipha that recently hit parts of China and Vietnam, eventually developing into a cyclonic circulation in the Bay. It is expected to intensify further and persist over the region till Monday.

As per the IMD forecast, extremely heavy rainfall is expected on Friday across several South Bengal districts including Purulia, East and West Medinipur, East and West Bardhaman, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Bankura, and Jhargram. By Monday, South 24 Parganas and both Medinipur districts are likely to see further heavy downpours.

Other districts in South Bengal may also experience sporadic thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and moderate rain. The continuous rainfall is also expected to cause a rise in river levels and make the sea rough. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea since Thursday.

Meanwhile, some parts of North Bengal, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, are also likely to witness scattered heavy rainfall and gusty winds on Friday, as per IMD's warning.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh