Sun tears through clouds in rain-ravaged Meghalaya

Shillong: The sun beamed tearing through the clouds across Meghalaya on Thursday bringing respite to the rain-ravaged state, even as the various district administrations were reaching out to assist the people, adversely affected by the inclement weather over almost a week now.CM Conrad K Sangma chaired a meeting on floods and the impact of southwest monsoon in the state on Wednesday with all the districts to assess the situation, review preparedness and analyse specific additional requirements to meet needs and provide relief to the affected population.As per the IMD report, the rainfall from June 1 till date has been in excess for the state with 59% departure from the normal, which is due to active monsoon in the Bay of Bengal, an official statement said.“The state govt is monitoring the situation as the monsoon rains damaged infrastructure, farmlands, triggered landslides, tree falling incidents, flash floods as well damaging most homes across the districts,” the statement said.As per reports, a total of 171 villages were affected and 9,577 persons felt the impact of monsoon rains as 135 houses were damaged. Following the progress of the monsoons over the last one week, 46 infrastructures, besides standing crops were reportedly damaged.In the East Khasi Hills district, due to incessant rain and sudden rise in flash floodwater one person drowned in the Umrynjah river, even as ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh will be released to the next of his kin, an official said.In West Khasi Hills district, one person died of lightning, an official report said, adding that ex gratia payment has been released to the next of kin of the deceased.Heavy downpour in the South Garo Hills affected the normal lives of the general public resulting in flood and landslides in some places, due to which power was disrupted in the district.

Expect widespread monsoon rain by June-end: Scientists

Prabhu and experts from CUSB predict increased heatwaves in Bihar. Central University's Pradhan Parth Sarthi forecasts sporadic rain next week, but widespread rain only by end of June, with 10-20% reduction in seasonal rainfall over Gangetic plains.

Rain surplus erased, but El Nina likely to boost monsoon in next two months

Monday witnessed mostly bright skies despite a yellow alert as weak monsoon activity erased the seasonal rain surplus, reducing it to zero. M R Ramesh Kumar from NIO, Dona Paula, mentioned the impact of El Nino on the southwest monsoon and the upcoming La Nina conditions favorable for vigorous monsoon activity in July and August.

This Karnataka district (Haveri) exhumes bodies to appease rain god

Haveri district faces dry weather as monsoon takes a break. Villagers exhuming bodies of those with vitiligo in rituals to revive rain for agricultural lands, involving immediate family members and appeasing rain gods.