Heavy rain forecast in West Bengal: Amid IMD’s heavy rain warning, CM Mamata Banerjee says, ‘All safety measures are in place’

Heavy rain forecast in West Bengal: As heavy rainfall continues to lash parts of southern West Bengal, including Kolkata, the state government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has assured the public that all necessary safety measures are in place. In response to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours, the administration has already shifted residents from vulnerable low-lying areas to safer locations and activated multiple relief centres across the affected regions.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, CM Banerjee emphasized that the government is fully prepared to manage any emergency arising due to the inclement weather. She urged coastal residents to stay away from the sea and avoid venturing into deep waters during the next two days, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in disaster response.

Southern Bengal, particularly Kolkata and surrounding districts, witnessed heavy downpours throughout Thursday as a deep depression over the North-West Bay of Bengal intensified. According to the IMD, rainfall in some areas could reach an intensity of up to 2-3 cm per hour, raising concerns of waterlogging and possible disruptions in public life.

The IMD’s latest bulletin confirmed that the deep depression crossed the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around midday on May 29, positioning itself close to Raidighi, approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Canning. The system is expected to move in a north-northeasterly direction and gradually weaken by evening.

Earlier in the day, the IMD reported that the weather system had intensified while moving at a speed of 20 kmph. At 8:30 AM IST, it was centered near latitude 21.3°N and longitude 88.5°E, about 60 km southeast of Sagar Island and 180 km west of Khepupara in Bangladesh. These developments have kept both state authorities and local residents on high alert.

Disaster management teams and control rooms have been activated across districts likely to be impacted, with continuous monitoring underway to manage any untoward incidents. While no major damages have been reported so far, the next 24 hours remain critical as the state deals with the full impact of the weather system.

CM Banerjee reiterated the importance of public safety and requested citizens to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. With round-the-clock updates from IMD and local authorities working on the ground, West Bengal is navigating the situation with heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts.