Over 30 flights cancelled as heavy rains lash Kolkata
Kolkata (PTI): Heavy torrential rain in Kolkata on Tuesday severely disrupted air travel, leading to the cancellation of at least 30 flights and significant delays in several others, officials said.
The relentless downpour caused massive flooding across the city, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and severely affecting transport services.
At Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, multiple flights were grounded due to adverse weather conditions, with authorities citing incessant rains and restricted visibility as key safety concerns.
"At least 30 flights have been cancelled so far, and 31 others have been delayed," an official of Kolkata Airport said.
The aviation sector is bracing for further disruptions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings of more heavy rainfall in the coming days, attributed to a low-pressure system forming over the northeast Bay of Bengal.
The heavy rainfall, which began overnight, led to widespread waterlogging in many parts of the city. Arterial roads were submerged, leaving vehicles stranded for hours, while commuters struggled to wade through waist-deep water.
The situation was exacerbated by the suspension of Kolkata Metro services on a significant stretch of the Blue Line, with stations in flooded areas remaining closed.
In the aftermath of the downpour, local authorities reported that at least seven people had lost their lives due to electrocution, with several others injured in water-related accidents.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials said that areas in the southern and eastern parts of the city bore the brunt, with Garia Kamdahari recording 332 mm of rainfall in just a few hours, followed by Jodhpur Park at 285 mm.
Local authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, and emergency teams have been deployed to assist with flood management and rescue operations.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
