Assam may face acute drought

By Our Special Correspondent

GUWAHATI, JULY 27. Assam may not face the usual floods but an acute drought this year. In fact, the north-east region as a whole has received much less rainfall this monsoon.

According to data available with the meteorological department, between June 1 and July 25, there has been 44 per cent less rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, followed by Garo Hills district of Meghalaya (-40 p.c.), Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya (-36 p.c.), Assam (-31 p.c.) and Nagaland (-27 p.c.).

Sources in the Assam agriculture department say that if monsoon does not set in fully latest by August 15, the State may face a drought situation.

The Barak Valley has got an excess of rainfall. It is the Brahamaputra Valley where the rain god has not been kind. Dhubri has been worst-hit, with 61 per cent less rainfall, followed by Barpeta (-52 p.c.), North Cachar Hills (-40 p.c.), Lakhimpur (-39 p.c.) and Kamrup (-38 p.c.).

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Section  : Other States
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