Manipur Faces Significant Rainfall Deficit Amid Erratic Monsoon Patterns
Rainfall Deficit in Manipur
Locals fishing in flood waters somewhere in Imphal valley. (AT Photo)
Imphal, Sept 3: Recent reports indicate that Manipur is experiencing a significant rainfall deficit this monsoon season, with August showing nearly 49% less precipitation than the average, as per the Meteorological Centre in Imphal.
The rainfall has been inconsistent, with sharp fluctuations observed across different months and regions. In June, the state recorded 169.1 mm of rain, falling short of the normal 224.9 mm, resulting in a 22.5% deficit.
Although July saw an overall increase in rainfall, many districts still faced shortages, highlighting the uneven distribution of rain throughout Manipur.
Experts have noted that the southwest monsoon is exhibiting increasingly unpredictable behavior, characterized by brief, intense rainfall events followed by prolonged dry spells.
They cautioned that if this pattern persists, it could have detrimental effects on agriculture, water supply, groundwater replenishment, and could heighten the risk of drought conditions.
“In June, Senapati district received adequate rainfall, while other areas fell short. July saw normal rainfall in Imphal East, Senapati, and Ukhrul, but deficits in other regions. August brought normal rainfall to Ukhrul, yet many districts faced significant deficits,” explained Dr. K Ambethkar, a scientist at the Meteorological Centre.
In July, Manipur received 278.6 mm of rain, surpassing the normal of 222.8 mm. However, this trend sharply declined in August, with only 99.1 mm recorded against the expected 194.8 mm, marking a 49% deficit.
Weather analysts have observed that the southwest monsoon is becoming increasingly erratic, delivering heavy rainfall in short bursts while leaving extended dry periods.
“The ongoing El Nino phenomenon is weakening the southwest monsoon, contributing to the rainfall deficits seen this year across the nation, including in northeastern states like Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya,” Ambethkar noted during a discussion on Akashvani Imphal.
Records from the Meteorological Centre reveal significant fluctuations in Manipur's annual rainfall over recent years, with totals of 842.6 mm in 2021, 1,351.2 mm in 2022, 957.4 mm in 2023, 1,542.7 mm in 2024, and 1,430.6 mm in 2025.
Ambethkar warned that if the current trend continues, various sectors could face serious repercussions.
“Should this pattern persist, we may encounter challenges in agriculture, water availability, groundwater recharge, and drought-like scenarios,” he stated.
Dr. Tourangbam Brajakumar, Director of the Environment and Climate Change Department, mentioned that the shifting rainfall patterns might be associated with climate change and other environmental influences, emphasizing that rising temperatures disrupt the water cycle.
“If the current trend continues, we may need to implement adaptation strategies that incorporate climate-resilient practices,” he added.
Currently, farmers report no significant adverse effects from the changing rainfall patterns on their crops.
“So far, everything is proceeding as expected,” remarked a paddy farmer from Sagolmang Khewa Company in Imphal East district.
With the monsoon becoming increasingly unpredictable, experts stress the importance of ongoing monitoring and the adoption of climate-resilient strategies for Manipur.