At least 12 dead as record rain floods India's Kolkata

At least 12 people died as heavy rain lashed the eastern Indian city of Kolkata and surrounding areas ahead of a major festival, officials said Wednesday.

KOLKATA, India — At least 12 people died as heavy rain lashed the eastern Indian city of Kolkata and surrounding areas ahead of a major festival, flooding streets, disrupting transport and leaving residents stranded for hours, officials said Wednesday.

Most of the rain, as much as 9.9 inches in 24 hours, fell during the early hours of Tuesday and was the heaviest witnessed in the city since 1988, said HR Biswas, regional head of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Kolkata.

Commuters tackling flooded streets in Kolkata on Tuesday. Samir Jana / Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesPolice said nine people died in Kolkata, with most of the deaths due to electrocution. Two people drowned, they added.

The rains brought the state capital to a standstill, seriously hampering preparations for the upcoming Durga Puja — the biggest annual festival of Hindus in West Bengal state.

Many pandals, temporary structures built with bamboo and other material for the festival, and clay idols of the deities also suffered damage across the city.