Guwahati: All seven northeastern states are experiencing a significant rainfall deficit even after the onset of monsoon about 10 days ago, which arrived almost on schedule. Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday revealed that Meghalaya and Manipur are facing a 'large deficit' in rainfall, while the other northeastern states are experiencing a 'deficit' since June 6, when the monsoon reached the region.
Rainfall Deficit Details
The highest deficit below normal is recorded in Meghalaya at 86%, followed by Manipur at 69%. The deficits in other northeastern states are as follows: Arunachal Pradesh (50%), Assam (39%), Nagaland (51%), Mizoram (29%), and Tripura (33%). According to IMD data, from June 1 to Thursday, Arunachal Pradesh received 120.2 mm of rainfall, Assam 145.4 mm, Meghalaya 55.7 mm, Nagaland 72 mm, Manipur 53.7 mm, Mizoram 174.1 mm, and Tripura 181.4 mm.
Eastern India Comparison
Among the 11 states in eastern India, Jharkhand is the third state after Meghalaya and Manipur to receive 'large deficit' rainfall since June 6. Sikkim and West Bengal are the only two states in eastern India that received 'normal' rainfall during this period. The east and northeastern region have collectively received 'deficit rainfall' from June 6 to 18. Of the four meteorological regions of IMD, only northwest India received normal rainfall during this period.
IMD Forecast
A senior IMD official stated that the monsoon has yet to gain momentum in the northeast, although conditions are favorable for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places. 'In the next five to six days, heavy to very heavy rain is expected in isolated places, which is likely to reduce the rainfall deficit in northeast,' the official said. The Met office has forecast moderate rain across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya on Friday, with many places in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura also likely to receive moderate rainfall. For the next two days, it has warned of heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya, while heavy rain is very likely at isolated places in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura.
