By -SAKSHAM SINGH
Seven individuals lost their lives due to rain-related accidents in Kolkata and its outskirts after overnight heavy rain resulted in waterlogging in different parts of the city.
Flight operations at the Kolkata airport were adversely impacted. Over 100 flights were impacted: sixty-two were cancelled and 42 others were delayed, as passengers found it difficult to come to the airport.
Waterlogging has also caused disruption of traffic movement, suburban rail and Metro services. In many low-lying areas of the city, water had entered houses and damaged property. Many schools have announced a rain holiday.
The city has been struck by a heavy spell of rain days ahead of its traditional Durga Puja extravaganza. Puja pandals of the City of Joy, which attract devotees from all over the globe, are primarily in place, and the organizers would have to make sure that the showers would not put months of efforts to life ahead.
The waterlogged roads also cause inconvenience to those who are booked to take flights out of Kolkata airport. Air India and IndiGo have already cautioned and warned that flights can be delayed today. Waterlogging on the tarmac is visible at the airport, as per visuals.
The weather office has explained that the downpour is caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. The city is now expecting more rain. A graph by the India Meteorological Department has depicted how the city was getting extremely heavy rain in just a few hours.