Three-day deluge cuts monsoon deficit by 7%

RANCHI: Heavy rains in the past three days brought down the state's deficit by seven notches from 34% on August 17 to 27% on Monday. The rains also battered northwestern districts of Jharkhand as life in other parts of the state started limping back to normal after two days of incessant showers.
The Ranchi office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the low pressure induced rains brought over 62.5 mm rain overall in the past three days, which resulted in reducing the the state's overall rainfall deficit.
The weather office further said said the low pressure, which was formed under the influence of a cyclonic circulation developed over the Gangetic West Bengal adjoining Bangladesh, moved towards northwestern parts of Jharkhand. "The low pressure lies over Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar, Chatra and bordering districts of Bihar. Under its influence, these parts will get heavy rains in the next 48 hours," S D Kotal, IMD Ranchi's director, told TOI on Monday evening. Kotal added that the remaining districts are also likely to receive light to moderate showers till August 21.
Meanwhile, drought-prone Palamu, which was staring at another parched monsoon this year, recorded a surplus of 3% rain post the three-day rainy spell. West Singbhum, which had a rain deficit of 40% till August 17, recorded a deficit of 17% on Monday. Rain deficit in East Singbhum was also reduced to 11% from 24%.
Till 5.30 pm on Monday, Palamu recorded 228 mm rain. Jamshedpur and its surroundings received 41 mm rain as of Monday evening. Chakradharpur and Chaibasa, which saw massive rise in river water levels, washing away of roads and evacuation of residents to higher grounds on Sunday, received 30 mm rain till 8:30 am on Monday. However, no fresh damages were reported.
Kolebira block in Simdega recorded 90 mm rain overnight. Deputy commissioner Vipra Bhal said an enquiry committee of four persons, led by deputy development commissioner and comprising two executive engineers of the road construction department, has been set up to probe the reasons behind the washing away of a 11-year-old bridge over Palmara river under Biru Panchayat and another over Girma river. "All officers have been asked to remain on alert till weather improves," she told TOI.
However, the rains did not affect railway movement from Ranchi and Chakradhapur divisions of South Eastern Railways, officials said.