Flood-ravaged Assam records 21 per cent deficit rainfall

Guwahati, Jul 4: The weatherman has some surprising news for Assam by informing that the state has so far recorded deficit rainfall even as parts of the state, including capital Guwahati, reeled under severe floods this monsoon.

Assam has received 406.7 mm of rain against the normal 515.6 mm during this time, resulting in a deficit rainfall of 21 per cent, HN Das of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) informed. However, the next 48 hours could witness heavy rainfall, with the shortfall likely to be supplemented in the next few months. Seasonal forecast indicated 99 per cent normal rainfall, Mr Das said.

The northern regions of the state, especially North Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts, have already suffered devastation due to floods since May, with eight people killed and thousands affected.

Heavy rainfall in the areas along with severe downpour in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh had created havoc in northern Assam.

In Arunachal Pradesh, more than 20 people died last month in landslides caused by incessant rain for over 30 hours.

Meanwhile, the other North East states have also so far recorded deficit rainfall, ranging from one per cent deficit in Arunachal to highest of 44 per cent deficit in Mizoram.

Manipur has recorded 32 per cent deficit rainfall, Meghalaya two per cent and Tripura 25 per cent.

UNI