Heavy Rains Submerge Roads in Kolkata and Jaipur, Inundating Hospitals and Shops; 15 Tourist Places in Indore Affected in MP

Heavy monsoon rains on June 26, 2026, have severely disrupted normal life in several parts of India, including the major cities of Kolkata and Jaipur. In both cities, torrential downpours led to widespread waterlogging, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing significant inconvenience to residents. The urban inundation was so severe that several hospitals and shops were submerged, impacting essential services.

In Kolkata, continuous rain since morning particularly affected low-lying areas. Streets around MG Road, Dharmatala, and Howrah Bridge were submerged under knee-deep water. The premises and ground floors of several major hospitals were inundated, causing immense hardship to patients and staff. Local traders reported that goods worth millions of rupees were damaged as water entered their shops.

Jaipur faced a similar situation. Roads in areas like the Walled City, Mansarovar, and Vaishali Nagar turned into virtual rivers. The sudden heavy rainfall overwhelmed the drainage systems, leading to water entering homes and commercial establishments. In some places, vehicles got stranded in water, causing long traffic jams, and commuters heading to schools and offices experienced hours of delay.

Madhya Pradesh is also experiencing the wrath of heavy rains, especially in Indore. According to the tourism department, approximately 15 major tourist destinations around Indore have been closed to visitors due to heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions. These include several waterfalls, picnic spots, and historical sites, where movement has been restricted for safety reasons. Local authorities have advised tourists and residents to stay away from these areas.

The Meteorological Department attributed the extreme rainfall in these regions to a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal and a Western Disturbance over Rajasthan. The department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas over the next 24 hours, which could further worsen the situation. Citizens have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

In both Kolkata and Jaipur, municipal corporations and disaster management teams have been activated. Pumps are being deployed to drain water from waterlogged areas, and assistance is being provided to affected individuals. However, widespread inundation and continuous rain are hampering relief efforts.

This monsoon season has once again highlighted the shortcomings in urban planning and drainage systems. Experts suggest that rapid, unplanned urbanization and encroachment, leading to the blockage of natural drainage channels, contribute to such situations annually.

The government has directed an acceleration of relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. The Chief Minister has instructed relevant departments to closely monitor the situation and ensure all possible assistance to those affected.

Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from electrical poles and wires, and steer clear of waterlogged areas. Disaster helpline numbers have been issued for people to contact in case of any emergency.

While an improvement in weather conditions is expected in the coming days, it may take some time for normal life to resume in these cities. Both the administration and the public will need to work together to overcome this challenge.