Prepare for the worst, MET warns the state
text_fieldsThiruvananthapuram: As scientists see less chance for an earlier fall of summer rain during the pre-monsoon season (March to May), meteorology department of Kerala has given a crucial warning to the state to prepare for the worst summer this time.
Usually, summer rains start from 1st week of March and this year it is expected only in April. Accordingly, MET has asked the state government to take immediate steps to ensure drinking water for those who are residing in higher altitudes.
Though there will be a scanty rain in the 1st week of March, it will be of no use, MET director S. Sudevan told Madhyamam. ''The rain that may fall in the second week of April only can quench the thirst of the state to an extent," he said.
To make things worse, scientists are seeing a lower chance for the midsummer rain due to climate change, pollution and global warming. During the last year, there was a deficiency of 18 percent in midsummer rain. During the pre-monsoon season of 2016, Kerala got a rainfall of 313 mm despite its expectation of 379.9 mm.
According to MET, from January to 22nd February of this year, there is a deficiency of 33 percent in rainfall compared to last year. There was a deficiency of 34 percent in Edavappathy rain (South-west Monsoon) and 62 percent in North-west monsoon.