Guwahati: The northeastern states are now facing a severe rainfall deficit after enduring devastating floods and landslides.Data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday showed that overall all seven northeastern states have received either “deficient” or “large deficient” rainfall since the onset of the monsoon on June 1 till July 3.Meghalaya and Manipur have recorded the steepest deficits, receiving 76% and 73% less rainfall than normal, respectively, placing them in the “large deficient” category. The rainfall shortage has hit farmers hard during the paddy sowing season, particularly in Assam, which has recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 40%.Other northeastern states have also reported significant deficits — Nagaland (48%), Arunachal Pradesh (47%), Mizoram (37%), and Tripura (37%).In Arunachal Pradesh, districts across eastern and western regions, including high-altitude districts near the LAC such as Tawang, are witnessing acute rainfall shortages. According to the IMD, Anjaw, Lower Dibang Valley, Tawang, and West Kameng recorded “large deficit” rainfall between June 1 and July 3. The deficits in Anjaw and Lower Dibang Valley stand at 95% and 97%, respectively.In Assam, 11 districts have reported “large deficit” rainfall during the same period. Majuli has recorded the state’s highest deficit at 87%.The biggest surprise for meteorologists is Meghalaya, home to Mawsynram and Cherrapunji — the two wettest places on Earth. Of the state’s 11 districts monitored by the IMD, all except South West Khasi Hills have recorded “large deficit” rainfall. South West Garo Hills has reported the highest deficit at 95%, followed by West Khasi Hills (89%) and West Jaintia Hills (88%).In Mizoram, Serchhip is the only district to receive normal rainfall, while the remaining seven districts have recorded deficient rainfall.In Manipur, rainfall shortages have affected both the hill and valley districts. Churachandpur recorded the highest deficit at 95%, followed by Thoubal (90%) and Imphal West (89%).In Tripura, seven districts have recorded “deficient” rainfall, while one district falls under the “large deficient” category.Nagaland has reported “large deficient” rainfall in four districts and “deficient” rainfall in six others. Longleng has recorded the state’s highest rainfall shortfall at 99% below normal.
