THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a deficient South West monsoon, the North East monsoon season was a relief for Thiruvananthapuram. India Meteorological Department, Thiruvananthapuram (IMD), has recorded 5-per cent excess rainfall in the district during the North East monsoon period, which extends from October 1 to December 31. Meanwhile, the North East monsoon was 6 per cent deficient in the State.
The South West monsoon was 33 per cent deficient. So, the excess North East monsoon is a good news for the district. However, a comparison with North East rainfall in 2010 will be disturbing. Last time, Thiruvananthapuram recorded 80 per cent excess rainfall.
Against the normal of 522.6 mm rainfall, Thiruvananthapuram recorded 550.6 mm rainfall from October 1 to December 31, 2011. However, the IMD is yet to declare withdrawal of the North East monsoon. IMD has predicted dry weather this month with occasional rainfall. North East monsoon is expected to withdraw by mid-January.
In contrast to Thiruvananthapuram, other southern districts received weak rainfall. Kollam (-6 per cent), Pathanamthitta (-24) and Alappuzha (-18) recorded deficient rainfall. The North East monsoon period brought much trauma to the city, with two major flash floods. A low pressure formed by Cyclone Thane, which positioned over North Kerala on December 31, had a devastating effect in Thiruvananthapuram. Two persons were killed in flash floods and several houses damaged.