Northeast India generally witnesses heavy downpour during the Monsoon months due to its mountainous terrain with varying heights from valleys to high hills. But, the kind of pre-Monsoon showers this region has been witnessing this year is unusual.
In contrast to other parts of the country, Northeast India has been receiving relentless pre-Monsoon rains for more than a week now. Incessant rains in the catchment areas, as well as the valleys, have led to unprecedented flood warning in this region.
During last 24 hours, Cherrapunji received 139.6 mm of rainfall. Here’s a look at the rainfall figures in few other places of Northeast India.
Looking at the situation now, it becomes imperative to reason out and analyze the reason for such heavy rains.
Northeast India is a region with varied terrain and topography consisting of valleys, mountains and forests. Assam is a valley while Meghalaya is a mountainous area. Any kind of extreme weather activity gets accentuated by moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal. Secondly, Western Disturbances while moving away from North India across the western Himalayas may not manifest into a prominent weather system but it definitely does affect weather in Northeast India. Thirdly, weather systems get trapped in the Northeastern states and there is no easy escape due to the terrain.
There is forecast for more rain Northeast India which could lead to floods in the region. Regional alert system is in place but it has to reach the masses. The disaster management forces should remain vigilant and remain prepared for any untoward situation in the coming days.
Image credit - efe.com
