Nine dead as torrential rain paralyses Kolkata

Torrential rains overnight paralyzed Kolkata on Tuesday, killing at least nine people through electrocution and leaving much of the metropolis submerged as transport services collapsed and daily life ground to a halt just days ahead of the city’s biggest festival, Durga Puja.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Kolkata Mayor and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said canals and rivers in and around the city were full, hampering drainage efforts. “Every time water is pumped out, more flows back in,” he said. “High tide at 1.30 p.m. may worsen the situation. Relief is likely only late at night.”