Ranchi, September 23: The festive mood in the state has been dampened as fresh spells of rain and gusty winds hit several districts on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an alert for heavy showers in many parts of the state over the next three days.
The Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, has warned of light to moderate rainfall in most districts and heavy downpours at several places. It has also cautioned that mud houses, old structures and weak trees could suffer damage.
According to the IMD, a low-pressure area has developed over the northeast Bay of Bengal, triggering widespread rainfall in Jharkhand. Districts including Ranchi, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Ramgarh, and Saraikela are expected to receive showers within the next few hours.
Heavy rain has been specifically forecast for Kolhan and southern Jharkhand, particularly Ranchi and Gumla, on September 24. Similar conditions are likely to persist on September 25, while light to moderate showers may occur in most parts of the state on that day.
Meanwhile, heavy overnight rain has lashed Kolkata and its suburbs on Tuesday, leaving large parts of the city submerged and daily life in chaos. At least seven people lost their lives due to electrocution as floodwaters paralysed transport, power supply, and communication lines.
The city recorded more than 300 mm of rainfall between 1 a.m. and early morning. Southern and eastern neighbourhoods of the city were worst hit, with Garia Kamdahari recording 332 mm, followed by Jodhpur Park with 285 mm, Kalighat 280 mm and Topsia 275 mm.
Roads across Kolkata were under knee-deep water, crippling traffic movement and leaving vehicles stranded.
