Is Kolkata's Flooding a Failure of Disaster Management?
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Synopsis
Kolkata faced severe flooding after just one night of rain, sparking outrage from opposition leaders. Suvendu Adhikari criticized local authorities for their poor disaster management and negligence. With lives lost and essential services disrupted, residents are left questioning the city's preparedness for such calamities.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata experienced severe flooding after heavy rain.
- At least seven lives were lost due to electrocution.
- Criticism of local authorities for poor disaster management.
- Electricity and internet services were disrupted.
- Durga Puja celebrations faced significant challenges due to the flooding.
Kolkata, Sep 23 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, criticized the Kolkata civic authorities for their severe incompetence after a single night of torrential rain caused widespread flooding in the city and surrounding areas. Tragically, at least seven individuals lost their lives due to electrocution after encountering live wires in submerged neighborhoods.
“After just one night of rain, the Kolkata-Salt Lake region is underwater! The city is inundated, residents are suffering, and daily commuters are facing overwhelming difficulties. In a time when technology allows us to forecast rainfall and its intensity, the ineffective and apathetic actions of the mayors of Kolkata and Bidhannagar Municipal Corporations force the citizens to endure these consequences,” Adhikari shared in a social media post on Tuesday morning.
He further accused the civic bodies of not learning from past incidents of waterlogging, stating that the public faces the same challenges year after year without any preventive measures being implemented.
Adhikari also directed a harsh critique at the state electricity department regarding the electrocution fatalities, declaring, “This is a devastating failure. Why weren’t exposed wires secured promptly? Seven innocent lives have already been lost. This is not merely negligence—it is a crime, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
He pointed out that recurring urban flooding and associated tragedies have become the “fate” of Kolkata’s inhabitants due to ongoing mismanagement. “How much longer will this turmoil persist?” he questioned.
In the aftermath of the heavy rain that paralyzed the city, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim urged residents to remain indoors for the day.
The mayor indicated that it would take at least another 12 to 14 hours for normalcy to return, provided no further rain occurs during that timeframe.
Due to the relentless downpour, electricity and internet services were interrupted across much of Kolkata and its suburbs, though services have now been restored.
Numerous Durga Puja pandals are submerged, causing significant difficulties for puja organizers. Water has infiltrated many homes and residential complexes as roads became flooded.
Point of View
It is evident that the recurring flooding in Kolkata is a significant concern that reflects systemic failures in urban management. The situation demands accountability and action from local authorities, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the face of climate challenges.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flooding in Kolkata?
The flooding in Kolkata was caused by heavy rainfall overnight, which overwhelmed the city's drainage systems.
How many fatalities occurred due to the flooding?
At least seven individuals lost their lives due to electrocution after coming into contact with live wires in flooded areas.
What have local leaders said about the situation?
Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari criticized the civic authorities for their inefficiency and failure to learn from past waterlogging incidents.
What services were disrupted due to the flooding?
Electricity and internet services were disrupted across large parts of Kolkata and its suburbs due to the incessant rain.
What is the current situation in Kolkata after the rain?
The situation is gradually improving, but the mayor has warned that it may take 12 to 14 hours for normalcy to return, depending on the weather.
