While Meghalaya received normal rainfall so far, other states have faced significant deficits. Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur have witnessed a staggering 60-90% less rainfall compared to the average. Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland have not fared much better, experiencing shortfalls between 20-40%.
IMD Issues Alerts as Heavy Rains Approach:
A combination of a cyclonic circulation and an east-west trough is expected to bring much-needed showers. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura can expect light to moderate rains with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
Assam & Meghalaya Brace for Potential Flash Floods:
The forecast also includes isolated heavy to very heavy downpours, particularly concerning for Assam and Meghalaya. These states are under a red alert (take action) from June 14th to 16th, with an orange alert (be prepared) for June 17th and 18th.
Similar warnings have been issued for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, which are also expected to receive very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
Critical Week for Northeast India:
While the upcoming rains offer hope, it remains unclear if they will be sufficient to bridge the rainfall deficit across the region. The coming days are crucial for agriculture, water resources, and the overall stability of the Northeast Indian states.