THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Almost three weeks into this year’s southwest monsoon, the state has received 21 per cent excess rainfall thus far, shows data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Between June 1 and June 18, the state normally should receive 1,096.7 mm of rainfall. This year, with the monsoon unusually active, the state has received 1,327.9 mm, a 21 per cent increase.
Heavy rainfall will continue in the state at least till Monday, according to IMD Thiruvananthapuram. The Southwest monsoon had set in over the state on May 29. So far, five districts have received excess rainfall; Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Malappuram and Palakkad. Palakkad and Kottayam have received 48 and 47 per cent excess rainfall respectively this season, while Idukki and Ernakulam received 46 and 42 per cent additional rainfall.
Malappuram received 25 per cent more rainfall in the first three weeks of the monsoon. To be designated ‘excess’ or ‘deficient,’ the rainfall volume should be plus or minus 19 per cent from the normal.
According to a Thursday morning bulletin of the IMD, most places in the state received rainfall. Vadakara received 13 cms of rain while Kannur received 10 cms.
Meanwhile, monsoon rainfall has so far been deficient in the Lakshadweep Islands, the shortfall amounting to 35 per cent of the normal, according to the IMD. Though the islands should have received 504.2 mm during this period, they have so far recorded only 327.8 mm.
With the monsoon unusually active, the state has received 1,327.9 mm rainfall, a 21 per cent increase
Flood relief distributed
Kochi: The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Cochin handed over bedsheets, towels and biscuits to the relief camp at the Chellanam LEO Public School on Thursday. The heavy rains for the past few days rendered 150 families in Chellanam homeless. Around 600 people are now living in the camp. ICCI has also urged the Health Department to ensure hygiene pre-requisites.
