West Bengal Rains: Schools to remain closed for next two days in Kolkata; Full story here

In a devastating incident in Kolkata, nine people have died after being electrocuted by exposed live wires during ongoing heavy rainfall.

Kolkata: Schools in Kolkata will remain closed for next two days, Wednesday and Thursday due to heavy rainfall in the city, West Bengal state Education Minister Bratya Basu announced. The state government has taken the decision in the wake of heavy rainfall overnight and the forecast of continued inclement weather over the next two days. Schools in the city were closed on Tuesday after heavy overnight rainfall disrupted normal life across the city.

The notification which has been issued by the Secretary of the School Education Department, applies to all government, government-aided, and sponsored institutions. Additionally, teachers and non-teaching staff have been directed to work from home so that they can complete pending tasks during this period, before the holidays for Durga Puja take into effect, later-on this week.

Education Minister Cites 'Unprecedented Calamity'

Basu stated that the decision has been taken in view of the ‘unprecedented calamity-like situation’ across the state. “In keeping with the advice of the chief minister to offer relief to our students in the current situation and to pre-empt accidents, it has been decided to keep all education institutions closed tomorrow and the day after, that is, on September 24 and 25,” Basu said on X.

Kolkata Heavy Rainfall: Rain wreaks havoc in Kolkata, 7 dead so far

"Since the Durga Puja holidays are scheduled to start from September 26, effectively the vacation will start from tomorrow (Wednesday). I wish all happy Pujas. My deepest condolences remain with the next of kin of my fellow citizens who lost their lives in this calamity," the minister added.

Nine dead due to electrocution in Kolkata

In a devastating incident in Kolkata, nine people have died after being electrocuted by exposed live wires during ongoing heavy rainfall. One woman has also been critically injured and is currently undergoing medical treatment. Authorities have issued urgent warnings, urging residents to remain extremely cautious as the city grapples with severe weather, flooding, and widespread waterlogging.

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Severely affected areas

The rains were most severe in South and East Kolkata. As per the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), some areas recorded extremely heavy rainfall:

• Garia Kamdahari: 332 mm
• Jodhpur Park: 285 mm
• Kalighat: 280 mm
• Topsia: 275 mm
• Ballygunge: 264 mm
• Thantania (North Kolkata): 195 mm

Further, waterlogging is causing severe inconvenience to residents in areas like Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, and Iqbalpur.