Kolkata and the rest of South Bengal are bracing for a heavy‑rain spell that will hit the region from Saturday until Lakshmi Puja on Monday. The Met Office says a powerful depression has already brushed the banks of the Gangetic plains and will keep pouring rain over every district in the south for the next two days.
With the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) releasing large amounts of water from its dams, low‑lying areas in Howrah, Hooghly, West Midnapore and East Midnapore are at risk of flooding. The forecast also warns of thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h, which could add to the danger. South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Bankura, Nadia, Birbhum and the two Midnapore districts should prepare for heavy showers and stay alert for any warnings from local officials.
Across North Bengal the weather is expected to worsen until Tuesday. The hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri face heavy‑to‑very‑heavy rainfall, potentially threatening rivers and roads. Residents in these areas should keep abreast of the latest updates and plan for possible disruptions.
The news arrives amid a heated debate over the DVC’s water release. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the corporation dumped 65,000 cusecs of water on Friday’s Vijayadashami celebrations without prior notice, calling it a reckless act that jeopardised millions of lives. She warned that the move was “not a natural calamity, but a man‑made disaster.”
As the storm approaches, citizens should stay indoors when possible, secure loose outdoor items, and follow local advisories. The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely and will update the public on any changes to the forecast.
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