Monsoon withdraws from Himachal: IMD
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Monsoon withdraws from Himachal: IMD
Shimls, Oct 1,
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the withdrawal of the South West Monsoon system from numerous locations in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. It is anticipated that the monsoon will completely recede from the hill state within the next two to three days.
During this season, Himachal Pradesh experienced a surplus of 20% in monsoon rainfall. June saw a nearly 19% excess, July had a whopping 75% excess, and August had a modest 4% surplus compared to normal rainfall. However, in September, the monsoon weakened, resulting in a 42% rainfall deficiency.
In a recent press release, an IMD spokesperson stated that the monsoon has withdrawn from several areas, including Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, most parts of Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and a few parts of Chamba district within the past 24 hours. Favorable conditions are expected for the remaining parts of the state to witness monsoon withdrawal in the next 2-3 days.
It is noteworthy that the monsoon arrived in most parts of Himachal Pradesh on June 24, 2023, which is later than the earliest onset on June 9, 2000, and earlier than the most delayed onset on July 5, 2010.
For the entire monsoon season, the state received 20% more rainfall than usual, with a cumulative 884.8 mm of rainfall from June to September compared to the normal 734.4 mm. Monthly rainfall statistics were as follows: June (121.7mm), July (448.9mm), August (247.6mm), and September (69.6mm). Notably, July saw record-breaking rainfall in the state, surpassing previous records dating back to 2004.
The state also experienced extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, resulting in extensive damage to property and loss of human lives during the monsoon season. The highest rainfall in the state, in recent history, was recorded in 1922 with 1314.6mm of rainfall. In 2023, it ranks as the 36th highest rainfall year.
The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh started with light to moderate pre-monsoon rainfall from June 1 to June 21. The monsoon officially began on June 25 but was marked by heavy to extremely heavy rainfall spells, disrupting normal life in the state.
The IMD reported that heavy rainfall spells occurred multiple times during the season, with the highest intensity in July and August. The erratic distribution of rainfall led to 35 dry days amidst the 25 days of rainfall. However, despite the monsoon’s deficiency in September, the state received large excess rainfall during the third week of the month in many places.
Notable one-day rainfall records include Una with 238 mm on July 9, Pachhad in Sirmaur with 220 mm on July 10, Nahan with 250 mm on July 11, Kangra with 273 mm on August 14, Sujanpura Tira with 254 mm, Dharmshala with 250 mm, Palampur with 220 mm, and Kahu in Bilaspur with 210 mm on August 23.
These records broke long-standing records, with Una’s July 9, 2023 rainfall surpassing the previous record from July 22, 1927. Similarly, Pachhad’s July 10, 2023 rainfall exceeded the record from July 26, 1973, and Rohru’s rainfall on July 9, 2023, exceeded the previous record from July 25, 1966. In Kataula, a record 172 mm of rainfall was recorded on August 14, surpassing the record from August 20, 2022, and Pandoh recorded 178 mm on August 23, breaking the previous highest in Mandi district.
However, this intense monsoon season came at a cost, with 503 fatalities and 519 injuries reported in Himachal Pradesh. The cumulative loss from the monsoon’s impact was estimated at Rs 9711.85 Crores. The state witnessed 168 landslides and 72 flash floods, resulting in significant damage to homes, shops, and cowsheds. Private structures incurred an estimated loss of Rs 609 Crore, while the Public Works Department, Irrigation and drinking water supply schemes, and the state power electricity board suffered losses of Rs 2949 Cr, Rs 2419 Cr, and Rs 1917 Cr, respectively.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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