Heavy rains lash parts of Kolkata; trees uprooted, traffic disrupted

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, Kolkata and its neighboring districts will continue to experience active monsoon conditions over the next few days.

Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain in Kolkata uprooted trees, disrupted traffic, causing inconvenience to commuters, officials said.

Several parts of the city reported waterlogging, while strong winds uprooted trees at key locations, including the Esplanade area and near the Calcutta High Court, leading to traffic snarls on adjoining roads.

A temporary idol structure on Dufferin Road was damaged in the storm, while a tree fell on a few vehicles parked inside the high court premises, the officials said.

Trees also collapsed on overhead power lines at some places.

Civic workers rushed to the affected locations and began clearing fallen trees to restore traffic movement.

The IMD said thunderstorms and rain also affected Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Purulia districts.

Heavy rainfall was forecast for Kolkata, Howrah and South 24 Parganas, while moderate rain was expected in the remaining districts under the alert zone, it said.

There was no immediate report of any injury or fatality due to the inclement weather.

(Antoreep Das in an intern with The Indian Express, Kolkata)