Heavy rains lash Kolkata, nearby districts, more forecast

Kolkata, Oct 9 (IANS) Flight and train movements were hit, major thoroughfares waterlogged and traffic snarls reported as heavy rains accompanied by squally winds lashed the city and southern districts of West Bengal on Monday.

The rains, which began on Sunday night, continued on Monday, throwing normal life off gear on the first working day of the week.

The rain and wind uprooted trees in many areas of northern and southern parts of the city. The Weather Department said the inclement weather was triggered by a deep depression.

"A deep depression has formed over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Bay of Bengal," an official of the Regional Meteorological Centre here said.

Services were disrupted at city's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport as arrival of five odd flights and departure of about eight flights was cancelled due the inclement weather.

Arrival of as many as 47 flights and departure of about 35 flights was rescheduled and many flights were delayed, an official said.

According to railway officials, the suburban and long distance train services of both Eastern and South Eastern Railways were affected slightly in the morning due to the rains.

The local weather office forecast more rains in the next 48 hours.

"Under the influence of deep depression over Gangetic West Bengal, heavy to very heavy (7-20cm) rainfall at a few places with isolated extremely heavy (over 20cm) fall is likely over Gangetic West Bengal during next 48 hours," it said.

Squally winds speed reaching 45-55 kmph and gusting to 65 kmph would prevail along and off the coast.

"Strong wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph would prevail over interior parts of Gangetic West Bengal during next 48 hours," it said.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during the same period.