As monsoon systems intensify over eastern India, Kolkata has been placed under a yellow alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), signalling continued spells of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms through the week. Meanwhile, districts in North Bengal have been placed on high alert due to the risk of severe rainfall and flash floods, raising the urgency of state-wide preparedness.
The IMD has sounded its highest-level red alert for Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Alipurduar, anticipating very heavy rainfall in these districts over the next 24 hours. Officials have warned that saturated soils, steep terrain, and overwhelmed drainage systems could trigger flash floods and landslides in these regions. The alerts have prompted both the state disaster response force and local administrations to remain on standby, with advisories urging residents in low-lying areas to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Back in Kolkata and surrounding districts of South Bengal, the yellow alert indicates a moderate risk, but not one to be taken lightly. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 30.8°C on Saturday, with humidity levels ranging between 81% and 98%, making for an uncomfortable and muggy weekend. IMD officials confirmed the likelihood of gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph in isolated areas alongside thunderstorms.
While the intensity of rainfall in Kolkata has so far remained within manageable levels, the city’s chronic waterlogging problem has led to concerns among residents, especially in low-lying neighbourhoods like Topsia, Behala, and Tollygunge. Civic officials said that pumps are on standby, and control rooms have been activated to manage any emergency situations arising from water accumulation. According to the IMD’s 7-day forecast, Kolkata is expected to see overcast skies with frequent showers until at least August 8. Mid-week may bring stronger thunderstorms, though they are not currently forecast to reach severe levels. Officials from the state’s urban development department said they are monitoring the city’s drainage systems, especially in zones prone to overflow from the Adi Ganga and Subarnarekha rivers.
In North Bengal, on the other hand, the red alert denotes a much more serious scenario. The IMD has also issued an orange alert for Darjeeling and Coochbehar, recommending preparedness for heavy downpours and flash flooding. Special IMD bulletins have warned of a moderate flood risk in vulnerable catchments and hill slopes, especially in Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri, which have already reported incidents of minor landslips in the past few days. State officials are expected to assess the evolving situation daily, with advisories being updated in accordance with rainfall data. While Kolkata’s current alert status does not require immediate emergency measures, the sustained rain and high humidity demand public vigilance and responsive civic action.
Weather experts have reiterated the growing intensity and unpredictability of monsoons across eastern India, calling for long-term infrastructure investment in flood mitigation, sustainable drainage, and disaster-resilient urban design. As Kolkata and North Bengal brace for a turbulent week ahead, climate resilience is no longer an option—it is a necessity.
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