West Bengal is currently facing an escalating flood crisis due to continuous and severe rainfall across multiple districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast ongoing precipitation, which is expected to worsen the critical conditions throughout the state. This persistent wet weather pattern, which began around September 2, 2023, has created challenging circumstances for numerous communities.
The northern regions of West Bengal, particularly Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar, are experiencing significant waterlogging, with some areas reporting water levels up to 11 centimeters. These districts are particularly vulnerable to heavy monsoon activity. Meanwhile, southern districts such as South 24 Parganas, Purba Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura have also reported considerable impact from the adverse weather. The IMD's outlook indicates a continued possibility of rainfall in these southern regions, suggesting a potential escalation of the flood crisis.
The broader weather system impacting the Bay of Bengal has led to advisories for fishing boats and trawlers to remain ashore due to rough seas. Meteorological analyses suggest the formation of a low-pressure area over the north Bay of Bengal, which could bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to several West Bengal districts in the coming days. The IMD has specifically warned of very heavy rain (7–20 cm) in the coastal district of South 24 Parganas and heavy rain (7–11 cm) in North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and Purba and Paschim Medinipur.
This forecast highlights the dynamic nature of the monsoon and its potential for significant localized impacts. Historically, districts like Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar have faced similar challenges. For instance, in June 2016, these districts experienced severe flooding after Banarhat in Jalpaiguri recorded 335mm of rain in a single day. These recurring events underscore the ongoing vulnerability of the region to its climate patterns and geography.