Average rainfall hides weather extremes: report

Published - April 17, 2019 10:46 pm IST - NEW DELHI

While the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted a “normal” monsoon this year, a new report on disasters warns that the “average” rainfall figures hide extremes of floods and droughts across the country.

Other disasters are hidden because of slow-onset or they may be affecting ignored populations or occurring at the same time as more high profile disasters, says ‘The Face of Disasters 2019’, a report released by the Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) on Wednesday.

During the June to September monsoon of 2018, for example, Punjab experienced a “normal” monsoon with rainfall just 7% higher than the average rainfall in the State. However, that figure masked the fact that Ropar saw 71% excess rainfall while Ferozepur experienced a 74% shortage.

Similarly, eastern Uttar Pradesh saw a minimal shortage of 16% lower than usual. However, Kushi Nagar received 82% less while Kannauj actually had a surplus of 62%.

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