Fri Apr 18 04:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Kolkata and Surrounding Areas Hit by Sudden, Heavy Downpour
**Kolkata, West Bengal, India –** A beautiful sunny morning in Kolkata took a dramatic turn Wednesday afternoon as a sudden and intense thunderstorm swept across the city and its suburbs. The downpour, accompanied by strong winds and lightning, caused significant disruption to life in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and the 24 Parganas districts.
The weather shifted rapidly around 3 PM. A clear sky gave way to dark, ominous clouds, and within minutes, heavy rain began to fall. Reports of lightning strikes came in from various areas. The downpour led to significant traffic congestion as commuters struggled to get home.
Flight operations were also affected. Airport authorities reported that six flights were unable to land in Kolkata due to the severe weather and were diverted to other cities.
According to Kolkata Municipal Corporation drainage department, the eastern parts of Kolkata, particularly the Dhapa and Ultadanga pumping station zones, experienced the heaviest rainfall, with over 50 mm of rain recorded. Waterlogging was reported in several areas across the city.
The storm caused damage as well. Trees fell in several locations, including Bentinck Street and Jodhpur Park. In one incident, a large Krishnachura tree fell onto a doctor’s car parked in Jodhpur Park. A councillor arranged for the tree to be removed. In Howrah, falling tree branches injured two people, Sukanya Dutta and Shubhrajit Maiti, who were treated at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata.
The northern and southern 24 Parganas districts also faced heavy rainfall and strong winds. Baruippur saw significant flooding, while Diamond Harbour and Kakdwip experienced particularly strong winds and lightning. Farmers in these areas are concerned about potential crop damage to their paddy fields, currently nearing harvest.
Hooghly district also experienced heavy rain and strong winds, with power outages reported in several areas. Hailstorms were reported in Chunchura and Bandel, raising concerns among orchard owners about damage to the immature mangoes currently on the trees.
First Piper 