Kolkata, the capital of India’s West Bengal state, is reeling from its heaviest rainfall in nearly four decades, resulting in widespread flooding, loss of life, and significant disruptions to daily life. The torrential downpour, which brought 251.4mm of rain in less than 24 hours, marks the city’s most severe deluge since 1986 and ranks as the sixth-highest single-day rainfall in the region over the past 137 years. The extreme weather, attributed to a low-pressure system over the north-east Bay of Bengal, has claimed at least 10 lives, with nine fatalities caused by electrocution in stagnant water. Residential areas and businesses across the city and its suburbs have been severely affected by waterlogging, with key roads submerged and train services halted, forcing commuters to navigate knee-deep floodwaters. The timing of the disaster is particularly unfortunate, as it coincides with Durga Puja, the region’s most significant annual festival, which draws tens of thousands of worshippers. Temporary temples, known as pandals, erected for the celebrations have also been inundated, dampening the festive spirit. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock at the unprecedented rainfall and pledged compensation for the victims’ families. Authorities have taken precautionary measures, including cutting power in affected areas to prevent further electrocution incidents. Efforts to restore normalcy are underway, but with more rain forecasted in the coming days, the city remains on high alert.