3 Things Kolkata floods, essential medicines list, and a boy’s risky flight to Delhi
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Sep 24, 2025 Sweety Kumari, a journalist with The Indian Express, describes the devastating Kolkata floods caused by heavy rains, detailing infrastructure failures and the impact on festive preparations for Durga Puja. Anonna Dutt, a health reporter, dives into the World Health Organization's updated list of essential medicines, highlighting the inclusion of obesity and cancer treatments amid rising health concerns. They also discuss the remarkable tale of a 13-year-old boy who stowed away in an aircraft's landing gear from Kunduz to Delhi.
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Storm System Exposed City's Vulnerability
- A sudden low-pressure system and cyclonic circulation caused torrential overnight rain that flooded Kolkata citywide.
- The deluge disrupted transport, flooded homes and caused multiple electrocution deaths, exposing vulnerability to intense short events.
Transport Networks Collapsed Under Heavy Rain
- Metro, train and flight operations were severely disrupted with tracks and stations submerged and flights diverted.
- The timing before Durga Puja amplified the impact because transport hubs usually see peak footfall then.
Drainage And Urban Growth Worsen Flood Risks
- Kolkata's drainage and sewerage struggled to cope, worsened by unplanned urban expansion and geographic low-lying position.
- Officials used pumps and mobilised workers but admitted infrastructure can't be fixed overnight.