3 days ago
Meghalaya Records 60 Percent Monsoon Rainfall Deficit, IMD Says
Meghalaya received much less rain than usual during this year’s monsoon season.
The India Meteorological Department said the state got about 60 percent less rain than normal.
This may make it harder to find enough water during the dry months.
Natural springs, which provide drinking water, can dry up when there is less rainfall.
Even places famous for heavy rain, such as Sohra and Mawsynram, received less rain than usual.
Seven districts had very large rainfall shortages.
The government is working to protect water sources and improve drinking-water systems.
It also wants completed water projects to provide safe and reliable water regularly.
Meghalaya received 1,077.1 mm of rain during the June-September southwest monsoon, compared with a normal 2,695.3 mm.
Seven of the 11 districts with available data recorded large rainfall deficits, led by West Jaintia Hills at 79 percent.
Sohra and Mawsynram recorded rainfall deficits of 36 percent and 34 percent, respectively.
Shillong received 953 mm of rain, 35 percent below its normal rainfall of 1,466.9 mm.
Officials said the deficit has increased concerns about water availability and the sustainability of natural springs and drinking-water supplies.
- Who
- Meghalaya, the India Meteorological Department, and the state’s Public Health Engineering Department are involved.
- What
- Meghalaya recorded a 60 percent rainfall deficit during the southwest monsoon, receiving 1,077.1 mm against a normal 2,695.3 mm.
- Where
- Meghalaya, including Shillong, Sohra, Mawsynram, and 11 districts with available rainfall data.
- When
- During the June-September southwest monsoon; the monsoon advanced over Meghalaya on June 9, and the figures were reported on October 1.
- Why
- The lower rainfall has raised concerns about water availability, natural springs drying up, and the reliability of drinking-water supplies during the non-monsoon period.
Key facts
- Statewide rainfall
- 1,077.1 mm recorded versus 2,695.3 mm normal
- Overall deficit
- 60 percent below normal
- Worst district deficit
- West Jaintia Hills, at 79 percent
- Sohra rainfall
- 5,277.2 mm, compared with 8,301.1 mm normal
- Mawsynram rainfall
- 6,169.1 mm, compared with 9,338.4 mm normal
- Shillong rainfall
- 953 mm, 35 percent below its normal 1,466.9 mm
- Only district with excess rainfall
- South West Khasi Hills
Quotes
Senior PHE Department official
A senior official of Meghalaya’s Public Health Engineering Department
“The state government has identified the sustainability of critical water sources as an important priority, particularly as natural springs can dry up during the non-monsoon period.”
theprint.in
Sources
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