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Meghalaya Faces Severe Drought: 60% Rainfall Deficit This Monsoon Season
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News18•01-10-2026, 19:30
Meghalaya Faces Severe Drought: 60% Rainfall Deficit This Monsoon Season
- •Meghalaya recorded a 60% rainfall deficit during the June-September southwest monsoon, receiving only 1,077.1 mm against the normal 2,695.3 mm.
- •High-rainfall areas like Sohra and Mawsynram also experienced significant deficits of 36% and 34% respectively.
- •The severe rainfall deficit raises concerns about water availability, prompting the PHE department to prioritize source sustainability and reliable drinking water supply.
- •Natural springs, critical water sources, are at risk of drying up during the non-monsoon period, exacerbating water scarcity.
- •Seven of Meghalaya's 11 districts recorded large deficient rainfall, with West Jaintia Hills showing the highest deficit at 79%.
Key Questions Answered
Meghalaya recorded a 60 per cent rainfall deficit during the June-September southwest monsoon, receiving 1,077.1 mm against the normal 2,695.3 mm according to the IMD.
West Jaintia Hills recorded the highest district-level rainfall deficit in the state at 79 per cent.
The Public Health Engineering department has focused on source sustainability and reliable drinking water supply, while the Soil and Water Conservation Department highlighted the dry-month scarcity paradox. Additionally, the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 has shifted focus toward regular, safe water delivery and stronger monitoring.
