§  IMD Red Alert

§  West Bengal Weather Alert

§  Severe Weather Alert for Bengal

§  Deep Depression Brings Torrential Rainfall

§  West Bengal Braces for Heavy Rainfall, Landslide Warning Issued

§  IMD Issues Heavy Rain Warning As Bay of Bengal Depression Intensifies

West Bengal is facing an unprecedented weather emergency as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued severe rainfall warnings following a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that has already begun lashing the region. The weather system crossed the Odisha coast near Gopalpur on October 2nd with wind speeds of 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph and is now moving toward West Bengal.

Immediate Weather Impact Across Bengal

The deep depression has triggered heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple districts in both South and North Bengal. Kolkata and surrounding areas are experiencing intense downpours with rainfall predictions ranging from 7-20 cm in severely affected areas. The system has already caused significant waterlogging in the state capital, disrupting Durga Puja celebrations on Vijoya Dashami.

·       South Bengal Districts Under Alert

o   Very Heavy Rainfall (7-20 cm): South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram.

o   Heavy Rainfall (7-11 cm): Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, East and West Burdwan, Bankura, Purulia.

·       North Bengal Weather Forecast

o   Orange Alert: Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar districts face heavy to very heavy rainfall.

o   Yellow Alert: Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur districts.

Critical Safety Warnings and Marine Advisories

The IMD has issued urgent fishermen warnings, advising against venturing into the sea along West Bengal and Odisha coasts until October 3rd. Squally winds reaching 45-55 kmph with gusts up to 65 kmph are expected along the Bengal coast.

·       Landslide and Flood Warnings

o   The weather department has also issued landslide warnings for hilly regions, particularly in North Bengal districts. Areas prone to waterlogging in Kolkata and other urban centers are at high risk of temporary flooding.

·       Extended Weather Outlook and Government Response

o   The rainfall activity is expected to continue until October 6th with the depression gradually weakening as it moves inland. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has activated emergency response measures, setting up control rooms for round-the-clock monitoring throughout the festive season.

·       Weekly Forecast Pattern

o   October 3-4: Continued heavy rainfall in both North and South Bengal.

o   October 5-6: Gradual reduction in rainfall intensity across most districts.

o   Post-October 7: Return to normal weather conditions.

Infrastructure and Transportation Impact

The severe weather has caused significant disruptions to daily life across Bengal. Kolkata’s drainage system is under severe stress with temporary waterlogging reported in low-lying areas and major traffic disruptions on key city roads. The timing coincides with peak Durga Puja festivities, adding to logistical challenges for celebration organizers and devotees.

·       Urban Challenges

o   Widespread waterlogging in Kolkata and suburban areas

o   Traffic congestion on major arterial roads

o   Disruption to public transportation systems

o   Challenges in Durga Puja immersion processions

Climate Context and Scientific Analysis

This weather event follows a pattern of increasing extreme rainfall events in Eastern India. Recent data shows Kolkata received 234 millimeters of rain in just 6 hours on September 23rd, nearly one-eighth of its annual rainfall. Climate scientists warn that such intense precipitation events are becoming the “new normal” due to climate change and inadequate urban infrastructure.

The current depression represents part of a broader trend affecting the Bay of Bengal region with multiple weather systems developing during the October-November period. The combination of warming sea surface temperatures and changing monsoon patterns contributes to the intensity of these weather events.

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Public Safety Recommendations

·       Authorities recommend that residents

o   Avoid travel in heavily affected areas during peak rainfall hours

o   Stay updated with official weather bulletins and warnings

o   Ensure emergency supplies and avoid waterlogged areas

o   Follow traffic advisories and alternative route guidance

o   Report emergency situations to local disaster management authorities

Economic and Agricultural Impact

The prolonged rainfall poses challenges for the ongoing Kharif crop harvest season across rural Bengal. Agricultural areas in districts like Murshidabad, Birbhuman and Nadia face potential crop damage due to excessive moisture.

·       Sectoral Impact Assessment

o   Agriculture: Risk to standing crops and delayed harvesting

o   Tourism: Disruption to festive season tourism in Kolkata and Darjeeling

o   Transportation: Flight delays and road transportation challenges

o   Power Supply: Potential outages due to waterlogging and strong winds

The weather system underscores the urgent need for improved urban drainage infrastructure and climate-resilient disaster preparedness across West Bengal. As the state continues to monitor the situation, residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official safety guidelines until weather conditions stabilize.

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