Six Dead as Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Sweep Through South Bengal

On Monday, south Bengal experienced a severe weather event that led to the deaths of six individuals, including a married couple, across various districts such as Nadia, Purulia, and Purba Bardhaman. This incident occurred after a period of intense heat, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms bringing a much-needed respite to the region. Officials from the Disaster Management Department confirmed these fatalities, highlighting the sudden shift in weather conditions.

The adverse weather also disrupted local transportation services. Specifically, suburban train operations on the Sealdah-Canning line of Eastern Railways' Sealdah division were halted for over an hour due to plantain leaves obstructing an overhead electric traction wire during the storm. This disruption lasted from 8 pm to 9.15 pm, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.

Furthermore, the aviation sector was not spared from the weather's impacts. According to sources from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), several Kolkata-bound flights had to be rerouted. Inclement weather forced three incoming flights—two from Delhi and one from Bagdogra—to divert to alternative airports. Additionally, a flight destined for Ranchi from Kolkata had to return to the parking bay, unable to take off amid the thunderstorms.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a forecast predicting continued thunderstorms in the region until May 10. The recent spell of moderate to heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds has led to a significant drop in temperatures across several districts of south Bengal. This change comes after a period of extreme heat, with Kolkata recording a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius on April 30—the highest in 50 years.

Experts attribute this sudden weather shift to a cyclonic circulation over south Jharkhand and a strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal. These conditions are expected to persist, bringing thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds across various districts of West Bengal in the coming days.