More than 1.2 million people have been affected after heavy rains over the past couple of days caused rivers to overflow and embankments to fail in the Indian state of West Bengal. The situation worsened after dam releases in the neighboring state of Jharkhand.
At least 10 people have lost their lives and 1 300 were forced to evacuate, state authorities said Monday, September 20, 2021.
The worst-hit areas are the districts of Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur.
19 teams from India's National Disaster Response Force have been deployed to affected areas to carry out rescue and evacuation operations and to distribute relief supplies.1
Extensive damage to agriculture was also reported.
West Bengal capital Kolkata also saw flooding on September 20, after more than 100 mm (3.9 inches) of rain fell in 6 hours to 07:00 LT. In 24 hours to 08:30 LT, the city received 142 (5.6 inches). 2
The drainage pumping stations of Kolkata Municipal Corporation recorded 136 mm (5.3 inches) rain at Dhapa, 115 mm (4.5 inches) at Kalighat, and 109 mm (4.3 inches) at Ballygunge.
The India Meteorological Department said the rain was caused by a cyclonic circulation moving from the northwest Bay of Bengal to Gangetic West Bengal and strong moisture incursion.
If the rain doesn't stop #Kolkata will come to a standstill. Most of the city is under water. Can't imagine how bad it is in other in the other districts. #KolkataRains pic.twitter.com/QpvuNDtVEp
— Arnab Seal (@arnabsTOI) September 20, 2021
The gardens gone. #KolkataRain pic.twitter.com/4APjAJkZkf
— Sudatta (@iSudatta) September 20, 2021
Come rain or shine, life much like the show, must go on.#kolkatarain pic.twitter.com/o6D7nQN4UA
— TUHINA DAS (@TuhinaDasOff) September 20, 2021
References:
1 India – 10 Killed in West Bengal Floods - FloodList
2 Kolkata Rains: Videos Of Waterlogged Airport, Streets Flood Twitter Amid Non-Stop Downpour - Outlook
Featured image credit: Moner Duyaar (stillshot)
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