• At least 12 people have died due to severe flooding in Kolkata.
• Kolkata experienced its heaviest rainfall in 39 years, measured at 251.6 mm in 24 hours.
• The flooding coincides with preparations for the Durga Puja festival, hindering festivities.
• Local authorities are deploying pumps for drainage and have announced school closures.
• More rain is forecast, raising concerns for further flooding and public safety.

Kolkata is reeling from its worst flooding in decades, with at least 12 fatalities reported due to the unprecedented rains. The city received up to 251.6 mm of rain in a single day, causing severe disruptions to transport and daily life. Most of the deaths have been attributed to electrocution as residents navigated the inundated streets, while two people are noted to have drowned, according to BBC, Reuters, and Dawn.

The deluge not only disrupted public transport but also caused significant damage to infrastructure and local businesses, particularly affecting the Durga Puja preparations. Many temporary structures, or pandals, that are erected for the festival suffered damage, hampering what is typically a major celebration in the region. Roads in some neighborhoods were reported to be submerged in waist-deep water, stranding vehicles and forcing commuters to wade through the floods, as detailed in multiple reports from Reuters and Dawn.

Local authorities have deployed water pumps to clear affected areas and are providing emergency services, including food distribution, to assist stranded residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the heavy rainfall is expected to continue due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which could exacerbate flooding. In response, schools and educational institutions across the state have been closed, as per guidelines from BBC, Reuters, and Dawn.

With the persistent forecasts of rain, officials are urging residents to remain cautious while navigating low-lying areas that are likely to continue experiencing elevated water levels. As one local resident poignantly noted, "This should not have happened after four hours of rain. West Bengal is not in a good condition," highlighting the unfortunate reality faced by many in the region, according to Reuters and Dawn.