At least 12 dead as record rain floods India's Kolkata

The Star

At least 12 people died as heavy rain lashed the eastern Indian city of Kolkata and surrounding areas ahead of a major festival, flooding streets, disrupting transport and leaving residents stranded for hours, officials said on Wednesday (Sept 24).  Most of the rain, as much as 251.6 mm (9.9 inches) in 24 hours, fell during the early hours of Tuesday and was the heaviest witnessed in the city since 1988.  Read more at https://tinyurl.com/4tujn69t  WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

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00:00At least 12 people have died after Kolkata was hit by its heaviest rainfall since 1988,

00:07flooding streets, disrupting transport and stalling Durga Puja preparations.

00:12Officials said on Wednesday that most of the victims died from electrocution, while two

00:17drowned after nearly 252 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours, waist-deep floods stranded

00:24vehicles and commuters in Kolkata, while road, rail and air traffic were heavily disrupted

00:30and power outages hit several areas.

00:33Authorities have deployed pumps to clear water and launched relief efforts with food aid and

00:37emergency services.

00:39The India Meteorological Department forecast more rain in the state due to a low-pressure

00:44system over the Bay of Bengal.

00:47Authorities closed schools until Thursday, saying conditions should improve by evening

00:51but urged caution as floodwaters recede in low-lying areas.

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