Torrential Rains Paralyze West Bengal & Cyclone alert for Andamans

Kolkata/Port Blair, September 24, 2025 – India is grappling with severe weather disruptions as heavy downpours continue to batter West Bengal, claiming at least 10 lives and causing widespread flooding, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a cyclone alert for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands amid an intensifying cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. These events, triggered by a low-pressure system, have led to school closures, transport halts, and emergency advisories across affected regions.

Heavy Rains Devastate West Bengal: 10 Dead, City Under Water

Kolkata and surrounding districts in West Bengal experienced unprecedented rainfall, with the city recording 247 mm in 24 hours ending 8:30 AM on September 23—the third-highest September single-day total in its history. This deluge, caused by a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal, has paralyzed normal life, submerging major roads, disrupting metro and suburban rail services, and canceling over 30 flights with 42 delays at Kolkata’s airport.

At least 10 people have died, primarily from electrocution in waterlogged streets, with eight fatalities in Kolkata alone. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) for inadequate safety measures and declared early Durga Puja holidays for state-run schools starting September 24. In response, the West Bengal School Education Department ordered the closure of all government, aided, and private schools and colleges on September 24 and 25, prioritizing student safety amid ongoing forecasts of heavy rain.

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Gangetic West Bengal, predicting continued heavy showers in districts like Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura until September 25. Another low-pressure system is expected to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal around September 25, potentially bringing more rain through the Puja festivities (September 27–October 2). Fishermen along the West Bengal-Odisha coast have been warned not to venture into the sea until September 27 due to rough conditions and squalls.

Waterlogging was most severe in southern and eastern Kolkata, with areas like Garia Kamdahari logging 332 mm and Jodhpur Park 285 mm in hours, turning roads into rivers and stranding commuters. Rescue operations are underway, but the US Consulate in Kolkata remains closed today due to flooding. Authorities urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors.

Cyclone Alert for Andamans: Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds Forecast

In the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the IMD has sounded a cyclone alert due to a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, expected to intensify from today (September 24). Heavy rainfall (7-11 cm) is very likely at isolated places over Andaman Island, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph on September 24, extending to September 26.

Sea conditions along the Andaman Sea and coasts will remain rough for the next five days, with squally weather and winds up to 55 kmph gusting on September 27-28. Fishermen are strictly advised against venturing out until September 28, and swell waves of 2.1-2.3 meters (20-23 second period) are forecast until 2:30 PM today. The Directorate of Shipping Services has rescheduled vessel sailings, including canceling stops at Katchal Port on the MV Sindhu’s route to Campbell Bay via Nancowry.

Local administrations have urged boat operators, islanders, and tourists to exercise extreme caution, avoid low-lying areas, and suspend recreational activities. No evacuations have been ordered yet, but monitoring is intensified. The system poses low cyclone risk to the islands compared to mainland coasts, but vigilance is key.

Broader Implications and Safety Tips

These weather events highlight the lingering monsoon withdrawal delays, with IMD noting favorable conditions for its exit from parts of Himachal Pradesh but persistence in eastern India. Residents in affected areas should monitor IMD updates via mausam.imd.gov.in, avoid flooded zones, secure loose objects, and prepare emergency kits. For Andamans, heed swell surge alerts and coastal advisories.

As recovery efforts ramp up in West Bengal ahead of Durga Puja, the focus remains on minimizing further disruptions. Stay safe and tuned for real-time updates from local authorities.