Monsoon Deficit Deepens in 11 Jharkhand Districts, Pakur Shortfall at 54%

Eleven of Jharkhand’s 24 districts are facing rainfall deficits of more than 19% this monsoon, with Pakur recording the highest shortfall at 54%, according to the Ranchi Meteorological Centre (RMC).

Jharkhand has received 698 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 28, against the normal precipitation of 778.3 mm, resulting in an overall deficit of 10%. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) considers rainfall deviations of up to 19% to be within the normal category.

According to the latest weather bulletin, Pakur received only 408.3 mm of rainfall against its normal 878.2 mm. It was followed by Deoghar with a 48% deficit, Koderma at 40%, Garhwa and Giridih at 37% each, Godda at 31% and Hazaribag at 30%.

Meanwhile, six districts have recorded surplus rainfall. West Singhbhum reported the highest surplus at 42%, while seven districts received rainfall within the normal range.

RMC Deputy Director Abhishek Anand attributed the uneven distribution to several factors, including El Niño and local weather phenomena. Southern districts such as West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Simdega and Seraikela-Kharsawan generally receive better rainfall due to their proximity to the Bay of Bengal, compared with northeastern districts.

Despite the deficit, the weather office expects conditions to improve, forecasting good rainfall across Jharkhand until September 5.

A yellow warning has been issued for isolated thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall from August 29 to September 1. Heavy rain is likely in districts including Dumka, Deoghar, Jamtara, Giridih, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan and Dhanbad.