Kolkata Floods; Depression Threatens Odisha, Andhra

Kolkata and surrounding areas were hit by a record overnight deluge — about 251.4 mm in under 24 hours, with local totals up to 332 mm — leaving streets and neighbourhoods inundated, public transport widely suspended and power and water disrupted; reports of fatalities vary, with some outlets saying at least 10 deaths (many blamed on electrocution), and authorities have cut power in many areas and pledged compensation. The India Meteorological Department says the Bay of Bengal system has become a well‑marked low‑pressure area likely to intensify into a depression and cross the south Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coast around Sept. 27, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Red alerts have been issued for several Odisha districts (including Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi) and orange/yellow warnings for other districts, while Andhra coastal districts and Rayalaseema can expect very heavy downpours and strong winds. The Odisha government has mobilised NDRF, ODRAF and local authorities, ordered school holidays in affected areas and set up 24x7 control rooms; administrations in Maharashtra and Goa have also been given upgraded warnings and contingency plans. Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into rough seas and residents in low‑lying and flood‑prone zones urged to take precautions; the IMD expects rainfall activity to gradually decrease after the first three days following the system's passage.