Severe lightning and heavy rain have struck West Bengal, India, killing at least 13 people across multiple districts and injuring several others. In Kolkata, a powerful storm uprooted numerous trees, damaged vehicles, and severely disrupted road traffic.
Following an uncomfortably hot Monday morning, the sky over Kolkata darkened around noon. A severe, hours-long thunderstorm followed, causing extensive damage throughout the city and surrounding districts.
According to state officials, Malda, Murshidabad, Cooch Behar, Purulia, and North 24 Parganas reported the highest number of lightning fatalities. Many victims were struck while working in agricultural fields, tending cattle, or standing in open areas.
In Cooch Behar, lightning killed two agricultural workers and injured several others, who are now receiving hospital care. Two more died in Purulia, where simultaneous lightning strikes across different villages left at least 10 injured, some in critical condition.
In Murshidabad, lightning struck a riverboat, killing one person and injuring several passengers despite local storm warnings. Meanwhile, in Kanchrapara, North 24 Parganas, a youth died after being struck while sheltering under a tree with friends.
In Kolkata, fallen trees blocked traffic in key areas, including Dharmatala, Moulali, Dufferin Road, and the High Court premises, where parked cars suffered heavy damage. The storm also damaged structures at the Sealdah railway station, while torn power lines caused temporary blackouts in several neighborhoods. Kolkata Municipal authorities and disaster management teams have been deployed to clear roads, restore power, and normalize traffic.
The Meteorological Department reported wind speeds of 40 km/h in Kolkata, reaching up to 50 km/h in surrounding districts. Heavy rain continues across South and North Bengal, prompting flood and landslide warnings for hilly regions.
Forecasters expect scattered rain and thunderstorms to persist across West Bengal for the next few days. Officials have issued strict public safety warnings, advising residents to avoid open fields, water bodies, and sheltering under trees during storms. Fishermen in coastal and river areas have also been urged to exercise extreme caution.
