7 dead as rain paralyses Kolkata

Seven people have died in rain-related incidents in India's Kolkata and its suburbs after heavy rain overnight led to waterlogging in several places in the city. 

The deaths in separate incidents have occurred in Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, Ekbalpur, Behala and Haridevpur. These areas are spread across the central and southern parts of Kolkata. 

At least three of these deaths were caused by electrocution,  NDTV reports on Tuesday.

Flight operations at Kolkata airport were severely affected. More than 100 flights were affected: sixty-two were cancelled and 42 others delayed, as fliers struggled to travel to the airport.  

The waterlogging has disrupted traffic movement, as well as suburban rail and Metro services. In several low-lying parts of the city, water has entered homes and damaged property. Several schools have declared a rain holiday.

The intensity of rain was higher in the city's southern and eastern parts. According to data from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Garia Kamdahari recorded 332 mm of rain in a few hours, followed by Jodhpur Park at 285 mm, Kalighat at 280 mm of rain, Topsia at 275 mm, and Ballygunge at 264 mm.

The weather office has said the downpour is the result of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The city is now bracing for more rain. A graph from the India Meteorological Department has shown how the city received very heavy rain in a few hours.

Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, one of the major discoms in the city, has asked people to stay away from wires and electric poles on waterlogged roads.