Heavy and persistent rainfall triggered flooding across several districts of south Bengal on Friday, inundating low-lying areas, disrupting normal life and prompting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to convene an emergency meeting with senior officials to assess the situation.
Several areas witnessed severe waterlogging following hours of rainfall, with roads and residential neighbourhoods going under water. The administration stepped up monitoring as rivers and other water bodies swelled, raising concerns over further flooding if the downpour continued.
Situation under watch
Adhikari called a meeting with senior officials to review conditions in the affected districts and directed the administration to remain prepared for any deterioration. District authorities were asked to closely monitor vulnerable areas and ensure that assistance reached people stranded or affected by rising water levels.
Officials were also keeping watch on river levels and drainage systems as continued rainfall threatened to aggravate waterlogging. Disaster management teams and local administrations were placed on alert, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Rain disrupts daily life
The downpour affected movement in several places, with stretches of roads submerged and residents facing difficulties travelling through waterlogged neighbourhoods. Local authorities deployed personnel to address drainage problems and respond to reports from affected areas.
The state government said the situation was being monitored closely and district administrations had been instructed to coordinate relief and emergency measures wherever required. Authorities remained concerned that further rainfall could worsen flooding in areas already struggling with accumulated water.