Half of NE drenched, rest going dry

Three killed by lightning in Assam, one drowned in Aruchal

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, April 21: For those curious about the pre-monsoon spell of heavy rains and thunderstorms in Assam, there are some abnormal weather trends that could add to their curiosity.

While Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura have experienced more than normal rainfall this season beginning March 1, the other four states of the region - Manipur, Mizoram, galand and Aruchal Pradesh - are witnessing drought-like conditions.

From March 1 to April 20, Assam has witnessed 240.2 mm rainfall, which is 32 per cent above normal. Similarly, Meghalaya has witnessed 6 per cent more than normal rainfall. Rainfall in Tripura has been 35 per cent above normal.

However, Manipur, Mizoram and galand are going dry, so is Aruchal Pradesh. Manipur has witnessed minus 87 per cent rainfall this season, followed by galand (minus 76 per cent) and Mizoram (minus 64 per cent). Aruchal Pradesh has also witnessed 26 per cent less rains this season compared to normal.

The Indian Meteorological Department said in today's weather summary that light to moderate rain occurred at most places over Aruchal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya. However, the weather continued to remain dry over Mizoram and Tripura. Day temperatures markedly rose over Manipur.

The IMD has again warned of heavy rains in Assam and Meghalaya in the next 48 hours.

"Thunder-squalls with wind speeds exceeding 60 kmph accompanied with hail is likely to occur at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya on April 22 and 23 and over galand, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura on April 22. Heavy to very heavy rain is very likely to occur at isolated places over Aruchal Pradesh on April 22," it said. Meanwhile, three persons were killed by lightning in Assam. One Mamoni ik died in Bokakhat while two others were killed in Sivasagar and Sori.

One person drowned in Aruchal Pradesh. Rivers were in spate at various places across Assam, with reports of flooding at Gohpur, Lakhimpur and Jorhat.