Kolkata, Telangana Floods 2025: Rain Impact, Updates

Both Kolkata and Telangana have experienced severe floods in September 2025, impacting daily life, causing casualties, and bringing cities to a standstill. Here is a detailed news article explaining the situation with perspective and recent insights, using clear language and a neutral, informative tone for all ages.

Kolkata Floods

Kolkata, a major city in West Bengal, saw very heavy rain begin past midnight, leading to sudden flooding that left many areas under knee-deep water and normal life in chaos. In just a few hours, several neighbourhoods received more than 250 mm of rain, with some places recording even higher figures. Garia Kamdahari received 332 mm, Jodhpur Park reached 285 mm, and Kalighat saw 280 mm of rainfall in a short span.

Water entered homes, apartments, and shops across the city. Streets became rivers, and vehicles could not move as they got stuck in waterlogged roads. Metro services and trains were stopped, and many schools called parents early in the morning to cancel classes for the day. Many families were forced to stay indoors, worried about the rising water levels.

Tragically, at least two deaths were reported due to electrocution, as people came into contact with live electric wires in flooded zones. City authorities warned everyone to avoid unnecessary travel, not just for safety, but also to help rescue and relief teams reach those who needed help.

Floods in Telangana

Around the same time, large parts of Telangana—including Hyderabad and Northern districts such as Kamareddy and Medak—were hit by continuous, heavy rainfall. This led to waterlogging on roads and caused streams and rivers to spill over. Some districts recorded over 400 mm of rain in less than 24 hours, which is much higher than normal weather patterns.

In Hyderabad, famous areas like Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Kukatpally, LB Nagar, and Secunderabad faced severe flooding. People found their homes surrounded by water, and traffic jams lasted for hours because vehicles could not move through submerged roads.

At least one death occurred in Kamareddy after a wall collapsed during the downpour. More than 900 people were rescued and shifted to safe locations. Schools were shut in flood-affected districts, and authorities set up 24/7 control rooms to monitor the situation.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Warning for several districts, predicting even heavier rains ahead. The flood threat was not over; meteorologists said a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal could bring more rainfall, especially in east, central, and southern Telangana between September 26 and 27.

Flooding causes many problems:

Streets and buildings get damaged or filled with water, making it hard for people to travel to work, school, or even the market.
Metro and train services stop, airline flights are delayed, and shops often stay closed during floods.
Power outages occur when water affects electric wires or transformers.
Emergency services have to rescue people from homes or cars stuck in flooded zones.

Many families worry about losing their furniture, food, and important documents to water damage. Kids and elderly people need extra care so they do not get sick or hurt in unsafe conditions.

Why Do These Floods Keep Happening?

Weather experts say the floods are mainly due to a 'low-pressure zone' over the Bay of Bengal—a type of weather pattern that can trigger sudden and very heavy rains over eastern India, including Bengal and Telangana. Climate change may also play a part, as higher temperatures mean more moisture in the air and unpredictable weather.

Cities like Kolkata and Hyderabad have grown rapidly, with more buildings, roads, and less space for water to drain naturally. This makes waterlogging worse after heavy rainfall. Poor urban drainage and blocked stormwater drains add to the problem, turning even short bursts of rainfall into flood threats.

How Are People Coping?

Citizens, government agencies, and local groups have responded by:

Setting up rescue shelters for those whose homes are flooded.
Distributing food, water, and medicines to families who cannot leave their houses.
Advising residents to avoid low-lying areas and to stay updated on weather news.
Getting help from rescue teams to move the elderly and children to safe places.
Using social media and news platforms to share updates and warnings.

While many praised the quick action of rescue teams, others said local authorities should do more to improve drainage systems or plan better for such emergencies. Some political leaders in Telangana demanded more compensation for affected families, including support for lost crops and damaged homes. People in both states requested better public alerts, more investment in flood-prevention, and faster repairs for vital services.

Floods in big cities are becoming more frequent, showing the need for better planning. Experts and citizens alike suggest:

Improving drainage systems so rainwater can flow out faster.
Not building on wetlands, which can absorb excess rain naturally.
Planting more trees and keeping open spaces to help protect against waterlogging.
Strengthening warning systems to inform the public early.
Including schools in safety planning, so children know what to do in flood emergencies.

Taking lessons from these floods, governments and residents can work together to make cities safer, cleaner, and more prepared for future extreme weather.

Kolkata and Telangana’s floods have shown how sudden weather changes can disrupt lives and challenge city systems. Many people have worked hard to help each other, rescue those who are stuck, and adapt to tough conditions. With a few changes, it is possible to reduce the risks and respond better next time. Staying informed, showing kindness, and planning smarter can make a world of difference during floods.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies