A sudden spell of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds swept across Kolkata and several parts of South Bengal on Friday afternoon, disrupting transport services and causing damage in multiple areas. The storm, which intensified as the day progressed, uprooted trees, damaged vehicles and affected flight, metro and railway operations.
The impact of the weather was felt across Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly and several adjoining districts, with authorities rushing to clear roads and restore normal services.
Flight operations affected at Kolkata Airport
Air traffic at Kolkata Airport was disrupted due to adverse weather conditions. Flight services remained affected for nearly an hour as heavy rain and gusty winds reduced visibility and hampered operations. Airport authorities monitored the situation before services gradually resumed.
Also Read | Kolkata school under fire after student’s death; parents accuse police of inaction
Metro services hit as station shed collapses
The storm also affected Kolkata Metro’s Blue Line operations. At Kshudiram Metro Station, a portion of the station shed collapsed under the impact of the weather.
Rainwater entered the station premises, leaving parts of the platform waterlogged and creating inconvenience for commuters during the evening rush.
Trees fall on railway tracks, train services disrupted
Rail services on the Sealdah-Bongaon section faced disruption after a tree fell on the railway tracks near Madhyamgram. Railway officials said the fallen tree was quickly removed and train movement was restored.
Further disruptions were reported between Bira and Guma stations, where a tree fell on overhead railway wires. Similar incidents were reported in the Kalyani section, where fallen trees reportedly damaged overhead equipment, affecting train operations.
Also Read | Second Hooghly Bridge to stay closed for 8 hours on Sunday: Check diversion routes here
Trees crash onto vehicles, roads blocked in several areas
The storm uprooted trees across several parts of Kolkata, leading to road blockages and traffic disruptions. In Salt Lake, a large tree fell on a car, severely damaging the vehicle. The driver was reportedly injured.
Several areas in south Kolkata, including Tollygunge and Netajinagar, reported fallen trees. A tree also collapsed near Gate No. 7 of Rabindra Sarobar. On Rashbehari Avenue, a tree fell on a vehicle, while another tree collapsed on Harish Mukherjee Road, affecting traffic movement.
Strong winds damage buildings
The powerful winds also damaged buildings in various parts of the city. Glass panels on several high-rise buildings were reportedly shattered. At South City Mall, the window glass was damaged by the storm’s force. In the Highland Park area near the EM Bypass, multiple trees fell, leaving stretches of road partially blocked.
Also Read | Annapurna Yojana form fill-up begins June 1: Here’s what Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiaries must know
Civic teams begin restoration work
A large tree that fell on the road connecting Babughat and Prinsep Ghat was being cut and removed by Kolkata Municipal Corporation workers.
According to Kolkata Municipal Corporation sources, around 30 incidents of fallen trees had been reported across the city till evening. Disaster management teams have been deployed to clear roads and restore normalcy.
Apart from Kolkata, several districts of South Bengal, including Howrah and Hooghly, experienced thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as restoration work progresses across affected areas.
