By IANS,
New Delhi : Many parts of south India, Gujarat and Meghalaya, home to one of the wettest regions in the world, are facing shortage of rainfall this monsoon, the ministry of earth sciences said Thursday.
Though the southwest monsoon covered the entire country July 10, about five days earlier than the average date, yet the southern peninsula, several states in northeastern India, Gujarat, and central Maharashtra have witnessed scanty rainfall.
The ministry said that among the states, Kerala is facing a 44 percent rainfall deficit from the beginning of monsoon in June 1 to July 15. Assam and Meghalaya, that has Cherrapunji – one of the wettest regions in the world – have recorded a 28 percent rainfall deficit.
While Gujarat was facing a deficit of 21 percent, the Rayalseema region in Andhra Pradseh has received nearly 50 percent less rain than normal and Marathwada region in Maharashtra has got 64 percent less so far this year.
Other regions facing scanty rainfall this monsoon include North Karnataka, Telengana in Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Lakshadweep.
Out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, the rainfall has been excess in 15 subdivisions, normal in seven and deficient in 14, said the ministry under which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) functions.
However, the cumulative seasonal rainfall during this year’s monsoon has been six percent above average.
The ministry said among the regions, northwest India has received much more rainfall than expected. In the last 45 days the region, which also includes New Delhi, has received 285.5 mm of rainfall as against 181.9 mm during the same period last year.
The IMD said for the next one week northeastern states, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar would experience enhanced rainfall.
But Andhra Pradesh, interior Karnataka, interior Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Rajasthan will witness “subdued” rainfall.
The IMD officials said the national capital will have a cloudy sky and light rainfall till Friday evening. On Thursday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 28.2 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal.