Heavy rainfall in Haldia led to waterlogging and flood-like conditions, affecting normal life. With several areas inundated, residents faced difficulties with transportation, food, and access to essential supplies. During this difficult period, relief efforts were also stepped up.

The relief activities initiated by Haldia Live founder Nilankur Ghosh and carried out by his team helped deliver water, food supplies, and other essential items to families in need. Despite the rain and waterlogging, efforts continued to reach affected people with relief materials.

The ground photographs available with Haldia Live show the actual situation during the entire relief operation.

Situation Worsened After Heavy Rainfall

The impact of heavy rainfall was visible across several parts of Haldia. On August 17, 134 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in Haldia in the 24 hours up to 8:30 a.m., reportedly making it the highest rainfall recorded in Purba Medinipur district during that period. Continuous rainfall resulted in waterlogging across several parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Water accumulation in Haldia and several other parts of Purba Medinipur affected roads, markets, and transportation. Reports also emerged that water had reached homes in some locations.

As the situation worsened, relief arrangements were also activated by the administration. Reports indicated that relief camps were arranged for a large number of people affected across Purba Medinipur.

Nilankur Ghosh Personally Took Part in the Relief Effort

Amid the difficult conditions, Haldia Live founder Nilankur Ghosh remained actively involved in the relief operation.

Under his initiative, water and food supplies were collected and delivered to people in need. The available ground material shows the relief team carrying supplies through the rain, distributing water and food items among residents, and reaching affected families with assistance.

In several locations, roads were covered with standing water. Despite these difficulties, efforts continued to deliver relief supplies to residents.

This is the most important aspect of the campaign: on one side, there was the difficulty caused by rain and waterlogging, while on the other, there were continued efforts to reach people in need with essential assistance.

Assistance Reached Children, Women, and Elderly Residents

During the relief distribution, food supplies and drinking water were provided to several families in need, including children, women, and elderly residents.

The ground photographs show children receiving food and other essential items. In some locations, people can also be seen personally carrying relief supplies to affected families.

During a disaster, food, clean drinking water, and essential supplies become immediate priorities. When waterlogging makes it difficult to reach markets or regular shops, the importance of relief supplies becomes even greater.

Relief Work Continued on the Roads Despite the Rain

The relief operation was not limited to a single location. Efforts were made to reach people at different places despite the rain.

Some photographs show volunteers carrying supplies through waterlogged roads. In some locations, relief materials were distributed near vehicles, while in others, water and food supplies were provided to families in need along the roadside.

Despite the continued rainfall, the relief effort focused on reaching people in need rather than stopping the operation.

The Photographs Show What the Situation Was Like on the Ground

Government figures and administrative statements are important when reporting on floods and waterlogging, but ground photographs are equally important for understanding the actual situation faced by residents.

The ground material provided by Nilankur Ghosh presents the human side of the situation in the affected areas of Haldia.

These photographs show more than just rain and water. They show people who needed food and drinking water at that moment, as well as those who came forward to help them without prioritising their own convenience.

That is why this material is more than a collection of relief-distribution photographs. It also tells a story of people standing together and supporting one another at the local level during a difficult period.

Drainage Once Again Becomes a Major Question in Haldia

The waterlogging following heavy rainfall has once again raised questions about Haldia’s drainage system.

Haldia’s situation cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of local rainfall. Official flood-related documents have referred to the tidal influence on the lower section of the Haldi River and the drainage challenges that can arise during the monsoon.

When a very large amount of rain falls within a short period, removing water from low-lying areas becomes a major challenge.

For a long-term solution, a better drainage network, greater pumping capacity, and advance identification of waterlogging-prone areas will therefore be important.

Administration Faces a Dual Challenge

The challenge does not end once the rainwater begins to recede.

Restoring normal conditions in affected areas, ensuring access to clean drinking water, monitoring health-related needs, and helping residents return to their daily activities will be important responsibilities for the administration.

Following heavy rainfall, widespread waterlogging has been reported across parts of Purba and Paschim Medinipur, making the delivery of relief to affected residents an important priority for the administration.

Humanity Is the Greatest Strength in Difficult Times

The rain and waterlogging in Haldia created several difficulties for residents, but photographs also emerged showing people coming forward to help.

The relief campaign initiated by Haldia Live founder Nilankur Ghosh presents one example of this humanitarian effort.

Reaching people in need with water and food during the rain was not an easy task. Nevertheless, efforts continued to deliver essential supplies to affected families.

There is no glamour of a large stage or formal event in these photographs. There are simply people working on the ground, rain, water, and families waiting for assistance.

And perhaps that is what makes these photographs particularly significant.

Special Mention of the Ground Material

Ground Report and Relief Material: Nilankur Ghosh, Founder, Haldia Live

This report has been prepared based on the relief material and ground photographs personally collected and distributed by Haldia Live founder Nilankur Ghosh during the relief operation.