Marathwada is one of the most drought-prone areas of the country. During the Southwest Monsoon, Marathwada received very little rain. The region was 40 percent rain deficit by the end of the Monsoon season.
Usually during the Northeast Monsoon, between the month of October and December, Marathwada receives less rainfall. The average rainfall for Marathwada during this period is 101.6 mm.
However, this time, the situation has been even worse. The region has received only 24.3 mm rain during the Northeast Monsoon. Again, Marathwada remains 76 percent rain deficient.
January also began on a dry note for drought-parched Marathwada. Eleven days have passed by, and not even a drop of rain has been recorded over the region. As per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, dry weather conditions will prevail over Marathwada throughout the month as no weather system will affect the region.
Deficit rainfall during both Southwest and Northeast Monsoon has led to a shortage of water in reservoirs. Crops have also been adversely affected. The water scarcity situation has reached to alarming levels. The water shortage scenario is not limited to crops, but drinking water has also fallen short.
Rain is in the offing for East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh during the next few days, but rain gods will continue to abandon Marathwada. The region will continue to remain dry for another month or so until a weather system will come up and give some rain over drought-affected Marathwada.
Image Credit: downtoearth.org