72% more than normal rain in state in August

Himachal has received a whopping 72 per cent more than normal rainfall in the month of August. Against the normal rainfall of 256.8 mm, the state has received over 440 mm rainfall - the highest in at least last 15 years. The highly excess rainfall has wreaked havoc across the state, causing massive damage to key infrastructure, public and private property.

Besides, several people have lost their lives due to weather-related events triggered by heavy rainfall. The highest rainfall in August over the last 15 years was recorded in 2019, 322.5 mm. This August saw around 120 mm more rainfall compared to 2019.

Incidentally, all 12 districts have recorded excess rainfall this August, ranging from 26 per cent to 162 per cent excess rainfall. While the districts of Lahaul and Spiti received 26 per cent more than normal rainfall, Kullu logged the highest deviation of 162 per cent. The other districts that recorded higher than 100 per cent deviation are Chamba (104 per cent), Solan (118 per cent), Una (121 per cent) and Shimla (126 per cent). Kangra recorded a deviation of 29 per cent.

While it has rained throughout August, the precipitation in the last one week or so has been particularly intense and widespread. In the last week, the state received 165.6 mm rainfall against the normal rainfall of 42.4mm, recording a deviation of massive 291 per cent. All districts have recorded a deviation of over 140 per cent this week, with Chamba receiving a mammoth 589 per cent more than normal rainfall. Kullu saw a deviation of 458 per cent this week. No wonder, these two districts saw massive damage over the past few days.

Overall, the state has received 826.8 mm rain against the normal rainfall of 613.8mm rain in monsoon so far, a deviation of 35 per cent. The state receives a normal rainfall of 734.4 mm rainfall in the entire monsoon.