Kolkata, 24 February (H.S.): Early Tuesday morning, rain accompanied by thunder and lightning began in several areas of South Bengal, including Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Medinipur, and Hooghly.

The rain began around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Moderate rain fell in various parts of Kolkata, though it didn't last long. Initially moderate, it eased over time and then subsided. Thunder and gusty winds continued to lash the city. Scattered rain also fell in several areas of South Bengal, including the metropolis. Even after the rain stopped, the strong winds continued to linger.

The rain and gusty winds caused mango buds to fall in several districts, including Hooghly. The Kalagachhi River dam in the Bedmajur-1 Gram Panchayat area of Sandeshkhali-1 Block in North 24 Parganas collapsed, destroying approximately 50 feet of it.

According to the Meteorological Department, the state is receiving rain due to the influence of a low pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal. The department says that this week there will be a possibility of scattered thunderstorms and rain in South Bengal including Kolkata. Rain may occur in at least nine districts of the south.

A separate yellow alert has been issued for South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur and Jhargram for Monday and Tuesday. There is a possibility of thunderstorms and rain not only in South Bengal but also in North Bengal. Rain may also occur in some areas of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey