24% rain deficit in Himachal despite spells of heavy rainfall

Shimla, September 1

Himachal has recorded a 24 per cent deficit in rainfall between June 1 and September 1 despite spells of heavy rain during the ongoing monsoon that caused extensive damage and claimed over 150 lives in the state.

Of the 12 districts in the state, 11 recorded a rainfall deficit. Only the Shimla district received 10 per cent excess rains, according to the meteorological department.

The state received 471.1 mm of rainfall in the current monsoon season against an average of 618.9 mm, a deficit of 24 per cent.

According to data from the weather department, Lahaul and Spiti district recorded the highest 73 per cent rain deficit, followed by Kinnaur 43 per cent, Chamba and Una 34 per cent each, Hamirpur 33 per cent, Solan 31 per cent, Kullu 22 per cent, Sirmaur 16 per cent, Mandi and Bilaspur each 11 per cent, in Kangra eight per cent.