The world’s rainiest places report… a rainfall deficit

Land of clouds? Not this year. The Indian region of Meghalaya, often called by that name, is experiencing a 56-percent rainfall deficit during the monsoon season. This could have serious consequences for the residents, 83 percent of whom depend on agriculture. Is there any chance that this year’s weather will change?

Drought in the land of clouds

The situation in the state of Meghalaya is drawing attention especially because it is home to two of the rainiest places on Earth: Mawsynram and Cherrapunji. However, the problem affects the entire region. According to the local newspaper The Shillong Times, the average monsoon rainfall here is 1555.4 mm. This year, from June 1 to July 28, only 690.7 mm have fallen.

This is a serious issue for a region where as many as 83 percent of residents rely on agriculture – which is highly dependent on rainfall – and 48 percent of the land is suitable for cultivation. As The Shillong Times notes, the rainfall deficit is negatively affecting not only harvests but also the region’s biodiversity.

Not just Meghalaya – the rainfall deficit is worsening

The dramatic drop in rainfall in two of the wettest towns in the world is the most visible issue – but not the only one. According to Times of India, the water crisis has deepened this week and now affects not just 3 but 4 northeastern Indian states.

In Assam, rainfall is down by 44 percent compared to the average – just a few days earlier, on July 20, the deficit was 42 percent. A similar situation can be observed in Arunachal Pradesh, where – according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) – the rainfall deficit has worsened from 45 to 47 percent.

Is the whole of India facing this problem?

Journalists from India Today point out that this year has seen strong disruptions in weather patterns. Not all Indian states are struggling with a rainfall deficit. One example is Rajasthan, usually considered the driest region of the country. This year, however, that reputation is undeserved – Rajasthan has recorded 92 percent more rainfall than the long-term average for this season. The IMD predicts that nationwide rainfall will reach 106 percent of the average.

So where is the northeastern deficit coming from? KN Mohan, a scientist with the IMD, explains:

We predicted the rainfall deficit in the northeastern states as early as April. What we’re seeing is that the monsoon forming over the Bay of Bengal is shifting northwest, with limited impact on the northeastern regions. That’s why rainfall is below normal there.

Is there any hope for improvement?

Losses recorded in June and July will be hard to make up. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the latest observations. In some parts of the affected regions – including Meghalaya, which is facing the most severe deficit – weekly rainfall totals have been high: in some areas between 20 and 59 percent above normal, and in places even 60 percent above normal (according to IMD data). Times of India also reports that in recent days the regions of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have experienced heavy rainfall (70–110 mm).

Still, it’s important to remember that time is running out to replenish water resources. The monsoon in northeastern India typically lasts until early October, but it begins to weaken noticeably in September. Will it be enough to improve the water situation in Meghalaya?

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main photo: Rasheda Akter/Unsplash