A severe thunderstorm struck Kolkata on Wednesday evening, lasting approximately two hours and causing widespread waterlogging across the city. The nor'wester brought temperatures down by six degrees Celsius, providing relief from the heat but disrupting daily life.
Flight Disruptions
Eight flights, including two international services, were diverted due to the storm. Flight operations at Kolkata airport were suspended between 8:20 PM and 8:45 PM, with landings delayed for longer periods. Several flights, including one from Pune, circled over the city for over an hour before being diverted or cleared to land.
Waterlogged Areas
Among the worst-affected neighborhoods were Dum Dum, Belgachhia, Ultadanga, Maniktala, Beleghata, C R Avenue, College Street, Amherst Street, Thanthania, Bidhan Sarani, Camac Street, Theatre Road, Harish Mukherjee Road, Southern Avenue, Ballygunge, Lake Gardens, Golf Green, Kalighat, Tollygunge, Behala, and areas off EM Bypass. Despite the Kolkata Municipal Corporation deploying heavy-duty pumps, many streets remained flooded for hours.
Weather Forecast
The Met office has not ruled out further spells of rain on Thursday, advising residents to remain cautious. The sudden drop in temperature and heavy downpour are typical of pre-monsoon nor'westers in the region.
