Kolkata and its suburbs in undated

Kolkata, Jul 19 (UNI) Large parts of Kolkata and its suburbs were engulfed by water following hours of torrential rains since late last night.

The MET office recorded 180 mm of rainfall till 1300 hrs today.

Large parts of South and North Kolkata were submerged bringing traffic to a halt in some places and disrupting at others. At many places makeshift boats were seen ferrying people.

The busy central Kolkata also witnessed heavy water-logging.

Water entered many houses in low-lying areas bringing to the fore the city's pathetic drainage system.

State Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta told newspersons that pumps were pressed into service to drain out water.

He said six boats were deployed to ferry people in Amherst Street in the north and Phulbagan and Manicktala in north-east Kolkata.

Trees were also uprooted in many places, disturbing the movement of traffic.

Most schools declared a rainy day. Attendence in offices was also low.

Railway officials informed that with tracks getting submerged many long distance and local trains were either stranded or arrived/left late.

Airport sources, however, said services were normal.

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