Heavy downpour continues in Kolkata

Kolkata, Aug 20: Major thoroughfares in the eastern metropolis were waterlogged, several trees were uprooted and traffic moved at a snail's pace as heavy rains lashed the city for the third day Tuesday.

Total rainfall recorded since 8.30 am on Monday stood at 91.6 mm. The Met office has forecast more rains in the coming days."The skies will remain generally cloudy," said a weatherman at the Alipore Met Office.

Traffic almost came to a halt in the arterial stretches of E.M. Bypass, Central Avenue, Ruby Connector and Dharamtalla.

Harassed commuters, cloaked in raincoats and sheltered under umbrellas, waded their way through puddles.Office-goers who were stranded midway, huddled under shop canopies and in street markets. to protect themselves from the fury of the rain.

Known for its street food, Kolkata's alleys and street corners sported a deserted look as snack vendors chose to stay away.

Even traffic policemen - covered in raincoats and wearing gumboots - had a hard time carrying out their duties in the unrelenting showers.

Braving the downpour, the police and fire brigade personnel were seen attending to the disposal of trees that had fallen.

Many schools declared Tuesday as a holiday as the local transport system was severely hit by the constant downpour. Car drivers switched on their lights while driving during the day to see better in the dim daylight.

The forecast for Wednesday is intermittent spells of rain with some areas likely to receive heavy downpour.

IANS