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Meghalaya Records 85% Rainfall Deficit in October

The shortfall follows a 60% June–September monsoon deficit, leaving spring‑fed drinking supplies at risk and driving PHED plans to map and rejuvenate critical sources.

Overview

  • The India Meteorological Department’s October report, published Nov. 2, said the state received just 38.3 mm of rain in October, about an 85% deficit against the 255 mm normal.
  • Meghalaya logged a 60% rainfall shortfall for the June–September southwest monsoon, receiving 1,077.1 mm against a 2,695.3 mm seasonal normal.
  • All 11 districts recorded “large deficient” rainfall in October, with district shortfalls ranging from 74% up to 93% in South West Garo Hills.
  • Officials warn the prolonged shortages are straining spring‑fed water systems and have already caused supply problems for multiple Jal Jeevan Mission tap‑water projects.
  • The Public Health Engineering Department has mapped about 55,000 springs across 70,000+ springsheds, identified 785 critical springs for rejuvenation, and is prioritizing source restoration to protect rural drinking supplies.