**Heavy Rains Lash Kolkata and Surrounding Areas, Disrupting Normal Life Ahead of Durga Puja**
Kolkata experienced heavy rains on Monday night, severely disrupting normal life in the city and its suburbs. According to NDTV, at least five people have died in rain-related incidents in different parts of Kolkata and neighboring areas so far. Several localities are facing flood-like conditions due to incessant downpour.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) reported that the Garia Kamdahari area recorded an intense 332 mm of rainfall within a few hours, followed by Jodhpur Park with 285 mm. These heavy showers occurred just days before the much-awaited Durga Puja festivities.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rainfall for Kolkata, attributing the wet weather to a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal. Visuals of streets and residential complexes submerged in water have been widely shared on social media.
**Transport Disruptions Amid Waterlogging**
Train and Metro Railway services in Kolkata faced significant disruptions due to waterlogging. The mid-section of the Blue Line (Dakshineswar-Shahid Khudiram), especially between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations, saw heavy water accumulation, forcing the suspension of services on this stretch, as reported by PTI.
Metro services between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations have been suspended since morning. A spokesperson for Metro Railway Kolkata explained that the suspension aims to ensure passenger safety. Truncated services are currently running between Dakshineswar and Maidan stations.
Railway services were similarly affected. The Sealdah south section trains are temporarily halted due to waterlogged tracks, while skeleton services operate on the Sealdah north and main sections, said an Eastern Railway official. Additionally, train movement to and from Howrah and Kolkata terminals has been partially affected for the same reasons. Waterlogging at the Chitpur yard has also forced the suspension of services on the Circular Railway line.
**Schools Closed Amid Continued Rainfall**
In response to the heavy downpour, several schools in the city have declared holidays. The IMD has warned of continued heavy rainfall till September 24 in parts of South Bengal, including Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura districts.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as preparations intensify for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, hoping for improved weather in the coming days.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/kolkata-rains-5-dead-as-heavy-showers-cause-flood-like-condition-metro-services-disrupted-videos
