Meghalaya faces rainfall shortage

By OUR CORRESPONDENT

New Delhi

July 17: Home to one of the wettest regions in the world, Meghalaya is facing shortage of rainfall this monsoon, along with Gujarat and southern parts of the country.

Though southwest monsoon had covered the entire country by July 10, five days ahead of the average date, southern peninsula, several states in Northeastern India, Gujarat and central Maharashtra have witnessed scanty rainfall. Regions facing scanty rainfall also include North Karnataka, Telengana in Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Lakshadweep.

However, the cumulative seasonal rainfall during this year’s monsoon has been six percent above average, claimed Met Depratment.

Met office said while Kerala is facing a 44 per cent rainfall deficit from the beginning of monsoon in June 1 to July 15, Assam and Meghalaya have recorded a 28 per cent rainfall deficit.

Gujarat is facing a deficit of 21 per cent, the Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh has received nearly 50 per cent less rain than normal.