Situation improves in rain-hit Kolkata

KOLKATA: Life in the rain-hit metropolis and its adjoining districts is limping back to normalcy as water receded from different inundated areas, although some pockets still remained waterlogged.

One person, however, died in wall collapse at Bishnupur in Bankura district on Thursday morning, raising the rain-related death toll to 19 in the state.

Besides, 23 mud houses collapsed at Binpur in West Midnapore district following heavy rains last night IGP (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said.

After two days of disruption, children found safe way to their schools today, while attendance in offices and other establishments improved amidst increased frequency of public transports.

Train services on both Eastern and South-eastern Railways in Sealdah and Howrah divisions also improved.

Meanwhile, a review meeting was held this morning by the Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta, Urban Development Minister Asok Bhattacharya, Relief Minister Mortaza Hossain and city Mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, besides senior officials.

Later, the ministers and the Mayor left for different areas in the city where a number of pumps were put in operation to drain out accumulated water.

The state government on Wednesday sounded an alert in all south Bengal districts following forecast of heavy rains in the next 24 hours.