Monsoon brings joy to Kolkata, grief and destruction to Himachal | Photos

Monsoon rains brought joy to Kolkata with kids playing in flooded streets, but Himachal Pradesh reels in grief as downpour resulted in major financial losses. ...read more

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Published on Jul 09, 2025 12:15 PM IST

A fresh spell of heavy rain soaked Kolkata and southern districts of West Bengal early Tuesday, bringing respite from summer heat while simultaneously plunging large swathes of the city into chaos. Commuters were left battling knee-deep water in several localities.(HT Photo/Samir Jana)

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Published on Jul 09, 2025 12:15 PM IST

In the city, areas like Salt Lake, Howrah, and central Kolkata reported waterlogging due to relentless overnight showers. Office-goers and students waded through submerged streets, while public transport, including buses and autos, was hampered across multiple routes.(HT Photo/Samir Jana)

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Rainfall data released by IMD revealed that Uluberia in Howrah district recorded the highest rainfall at 111 mm in 24 hours till 8:30 am, followed by Dum Dum at 99 mm. Kolkata logged 81.6 mm, while Salt Lake recorded 88.3 mm.(HT Photo/Samir Jana)

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A couple on a motorbike can be seen enjoying a rainy ride through a waterlogged street in Kolkata on Tuesday. (HT Photo/Samir Jana)

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Civic infrastructure buckled under pressure. With further moderate rain and occasional intense spells expected till Wednesday morning, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation remained on high alert to tackle waterlogging complaints and potential traffic disruptions.(HT Photo/Samir Jana)

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Despite the disruptions, many in the city welcomed the downpour. Children played in the puddles, street vendors rejoiced at increased footfall, and the air was markedly cooler and fresher after the showers.(HT Photo/Samir Jana)

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In the midst of disrupted commutes and flooded streets, many children in Kolkata found joy in the downpour. Children play gleefully in a waterlogged street in Kolkata, turning the monsoon deluge into a moment of joy. (HT Photo/Samir Jana)

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Kolkata wasn’t alone in bearing the brunt. Districts like North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Bankura, Purba Bardhaman and West Midnapore are under an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall till Wednesday.(HT Photo/Samir Jana)

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In stark contrast, Himachal Pradesh is reeling under the weight of relentless monsoon devastation. With 203.2 mm of rain recorded between June 1 and July 8 — significantly above normal — flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts have become routine. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, nearly 200 roads, including 150 in Mandi alone, are still blocked. Hundreds of transformers and water supply schemes remain affected, and close to 450 people are taking shelter in relief camps as the state braces for more rain.(PTI)

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A house crushed under an uprooted tree following strong winds and rainfall on Tuesday, in Dehradun, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Assessing the situation in the state, the government has announced rental assistance of ₹10,000 per month to families living in damaged or unsafe homes, urging them to shift to rented accommodations. A special relief package is also in the works for those severely affected by the disaster.(PTI)

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A view of damaged vehicles following cloudburst, in Mandi on Tuesday. The IMD issued a ‘yellow’ alert across most of the state, warning of heavy rain in districts like Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur, Una, Solan and Mandi. The risk of low to moderate flash floods in hilly terrains has further raised the alarm.(ANI)

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Residents of the state have expressed mounting concern over reckless hill cutting for road projects, particularly by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). They blame such activities for weakening slopes and triggering landslides.(ANI)

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Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who conducted an inspection along the under-construction Shoghi-Dhalli highway, assured people that their grievances will be raised with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. "It’s not just a financial loss but an emotional and social setback," he said, referring to the collapse of homes.(ANI)

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Himachal Pradesh is still recovering from the impact of 30 hours of torrential rain between June 30 and July 1 that led to 10 cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Over 466 homes, 92 shops, 14 bridges, and more than 30 vehicles have been damaged. (ANI)