Kolkata, often known for its bustling streets and rich cultural heritage, witnessed an unusual incident this week. Heavy rains, a consequence of a low-pressure area evolving into a deep depression, caused widespread waterlogging across the city and its neighbouring districts. One of the most striking scenes was the waterlogged runway at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, an image that quickly went viral and left many astonished.
The Flooded Runway Of Kolkata Airport
I took my flight to Ranchi this morning from Kolkata Sea Airport, West Bengal’s newest temporary airport.
Unfortunately, it was an ATR; otherwise, a Seaplane would be a better option.
Thank you @IndiGo6E for this experience!!@AAI_Official @aaikolairport @MoCA_GoI @JM_Scindia pic.twitter.com/Q9n7kkdeMu— Rahul Dutta (@Rahul_Dutta_Cob) August 3, 2024
Relentless rain fell on Kolkata and the surrounding areas (Howrah, Salt Lake, Barrackpore) on Thursday and Friday. The deep depression over Jharkhand and Gangetic West Bengal was moving towards Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. It was the cause of the heavy rain, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This, along with an active monsoon trough over southern West Bengal, led to persistent rains that severely exacerbated the waterlogging.
In an amusing twist, Rahul Dutta, an X (formerly Twitter) user humorously commented on the situation. He wrote about his flight to Ranchi from Kolkata “Sea Airport.” He jokingly remarked that while they had travelled on an ATR aircraft, a seaplane might have been a more suitable option given the flooded conditions.
Despite this flooding, the flight operations at the airport remained surprisingly unaffected. According to the Hindustan Times, no flights were cancelled or delayed. It certainly showcases the airport’s resilience and the efficiency of its ground staff.
Flights Soar Despite Unusual Waterlogging
Kolkata airport in India 🤣#India pic.twitter.com/sqnjSU7BaB
— Ali Hamza🇵🇰 (@ImHamz56) August 3, 2024
Beyond the airport, the heavy rains wreaked havoc across various parts of Kolkata. Central and south Kolkata reported ankle-deep water, although traffic remained largely undisrupted. According to the Hindustan Times, some areas have recorded up to 7 cm of rainfall since Friday afternoon. It also led to significant water accumulation on roads and streets.
While waterlogged runways are not unheard of, the sight of such extensive flooding at a major international airport is rare and perplexing. It highlights the unpredictability of weather patterns and the challenges posed by extreme weather events. Despite the severe waterlogging, Kolkata’s airport managed to maintain normal flight operations.
With more rain predicted, the waterlogged conditions are expected to continue, posing ongoing challenges for the city’s infrastructure and residents.
Cover Image Courtesy: Rahul Dutta/X
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