With a rainfall deficit of 97% in HP, a third dry October is expected

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Himachal witnessed a huge deficit in rainfall in October.

The state had an exceptionally dry October this year, with rainfall levels the third lowest on record since 1901.

According to official data provided by the meteorological department, the state reported a staggering 97% rainfall deficit with just 0.7 mm rainfall as against the normal 25.1 mm.

The highest rainfall received in October was in 1955 when the state received 413.5 mm of rainfall.

Notably, six of the state’s 13 districts – Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu and Chamba – received no rainfall at all in October.

Meanwhile, meteorologists predict that prolonged drought is likely to prevail in the state into the next week.