Torrential rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the northwestern Bay of Bengal has led to flooding in parts of southern West Bengal, with Ghatal subdivision in Paschim Medinipur district among the worst affected. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression is currently located around 150 kilometres southeast of Sagar Island and is expected to move northwestwards across Gangetic West Bengal before progressing towards northern Odisha and Jharkhand. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts of south Bengal through Monday.
Continuous rainfall since Thursday night has caused waterlogging in low-lying areas of Kolkata, slowing traffic on major roads including BB Ganguly Street, Amherst Street, MG Road and near College Street Market. A large tree fell in the Hudco More area on Friday afternoon, temporarily disrupting traffic flow.
In Ghatal, swollen river levels have inundated large areas, displacing hundreds of residents and damaging crops. In response, the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, a spiritual and philanthropic organisation, has launched relief operations in the flood-affected region.
Swami Biswatmananda Maharaj, Secretary-General of the Sangha, said their monks and volunteers have reached remote villages by boat to deliver aid. Dry food packets containing puffed rice, flattened rice, jaggery, and biscuits are being distributed to flood victims in Daulatchak, Fatehpur, Ramchak, Gangaprasad and Nich Monshuka villages under Ghatal police station limits.
Temporary medical camps have also been set up to provide free treatment and distribute essential medicines to those injured or ill due to the floods.
“It is our moral responsibility to stand by those who are suffering,” said Swami Biswatmananda. “We are reaching around 300 families in the worst-hit zones with food and medical care.” Relief efforts are expected to continue as rains persist and the low-pressure system moves inland.