Kolkata faces severe flooding from overnight rains; West Bengal schools and colleges announce early Durga Puja holidays. Get full government response and safety details at quickjobalert.in.
Kolkata Flooded by Heavy Rains – West Bengal Schools Announce Early Durga Puja Holidays, Teachers Asked to Work from Home
Heavy overnight rainfall paralyzed Kolkata and parts of south Bengal on Tuesday, resulting in massive waterlogging, severe disruption to daily life, and a near-total standstill of public transportation. In response to the extreme conditions, the West Bengal government swiftly declared early Durga Puja holidays for all state-run schools and colleges, beginning two days ahead of schedule. quickjobalert.in
Calamity and Immediate Government Response
The rains brought unprecedented flooding, overflowing drains, and forced the suspension of many routine activities across Kolkata. Public transport services and major roadways were heavily affected, as waterlogged streets made movement nearly impossible for thousands of residents.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, state education minister Bratya Basu announced on social media that, “an unprecedented calamity-like situation prevails in the state.” In alignment with Chief Minister’s advice to “offer relief to our students in the current situation and prevent accidents,” all educational institutions were ordered shut on September 24 and 25. The break, originally planned to start on September 26 for Durga Puja, was thus advanced—beginning effectively from September 24. quickjobalert.in
Early Durga Puja Holidays: What Students and Staff Should Know
- Holiday Period: All state-run schools and colleges will remain closed on September 24 and 25, starting the Durga Puja vacation a day earlier than scheduled.
- Work from Home Mandate: Teachers and non-teaching staff have been requested to work remotely, ensuring urgent and unfinished academic tasks are completed during this period.
- Safety First: The main goal is student safety, accident prevention, and supporting families affected by the floods.
Minister Basu also extended Puja greetings to students and staff and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the calamity.
Impact on Daily Life and Education
The intense rain and flooding disrupted normal life in Kolkata and nearby districts:
- Traffic standstill: Most vehicles were unable to ply, leading to heavy delays and service lapses.
- Public transport halted: Bus and train routes faced cancellations or diversions, stranding commuters.
- Daily activities affected: Schools, offices, shops, and services encountered major obstacles due to waterlogging.
Students and families welcomed early holidays but must remain vigilant as weather conditions evolve. Teachers and academic staff should use digital platforms to manage urgent tasks from home.