Below-average monsoon leaves Visakhapatnam parched, thirsting for reduction

This yr’s southwest monsoon has left Visakhapatnam going through a drought-like scenario, with the rainfall acquired thus far falling wanting the seasonal common.

According to information from the A.P. Water Resources Information & Management System (APWRIMS), eight mandals of Visakhapatnam district throughout the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) limits have recorded an total rainfall deficit of 18.45% between June 1 and August 10. The district acquired solely 241.59 mm of rainfall in opposition to the traditional 296.23 mm.

While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies this as “regular” rainfall, it’s nonetheless considerably under the long-term common for the area. Mandal-wise information exhibits Anandapuram acquired 259.34 mm (10.82% lower than the common 290.81 mm), Bhimunipatnam 277.21 mm (minus 5.93%), Padmanabham 289.85 mm (minus 26.62%), Gajuwaka 198.59 mm (minus 19.52%), Pendurthi 227.26 mm (minus 21.56%), Pedagantyada 197.84 mm (minus 31.67%), Visakhapatnam Rural 231.48 mm (minus 21.11%), and Visakhapatnam Urban 202.49 mm (minus 24.98%).

Some pockets, comparable to PM Palem and Bakkannapalem in Visakhapatnam Rural mandal, haven’t acquired any rainfall because the onset of the monsoon, barring showers in May. The extended dry spell has led to extreme water shortage in these localities.

“We managed water provide throughout the summer time, however now the scenario is worse as a result of absence of rains since June. Our borewells have dried up, and we’re relying fully on water tankers. We desperately want ample rainfall to recharge our borewells. This is unprecedented for a monsoon season in our space,” mentioned B. Rambabu, treasurer of Sai Oak Dale Apartments in PM Palem.

Meteorologists on the IMD Amaravati centre mentioned a low-pressure space is more likely to kind over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by August 13. If circumstances are beneficial, the system could deliver some rainfall to the area.