Ranchi: Jharkhand has witnessed a surplus monsoon this year with rainfall figures exceeding the normal average by 26 percent. According to data released by the Meteorological Department, between June 1 and September 3 the state recorded 1,058.6 mm of rainfall, against the normal average of 823.7 mm. This marks an excess of 234.9 mm, making this monsoon one of the wettest in recent years.
While the rain has benefitted agriculture in several districts, it has also brought severe hardships to urban areas. On Thursday, Ranchi witnessed heavy downpours from early morning, leading to waterlogging across several localities. The situation was particularly grim in lower-lying areas where water gushed into shops and residential buildings. Traders in Upper Bazar reported significant losses after floodwaters entered their establishments.
In residential colonies such as Panchsheel Nagar in Pandra, Kokar, and Hindpiri, knee-deep water entered homes, leaving residents struggling to manage their daily routines. Complaints of clogged drains and inadequate civic preparedness added to the frustration of affected citizens. Many families spent hours clearing water from their houses, while traffic in several parts of the capital city remained paralyzed due to submerged roads.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that heavy rainfall is likely to continue in several districts of Jharkhand on Friday. Along with persistent showers, gusty winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 kmph and incidents of lightning have been forecast. In view of the looming risks, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for the state.
Authorities have appealed to people to stay indoors during heavy downpours, avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms, and exercise caution while commuting on waterlogged roads. Emergency response teams have also been asked to remain on standby to deal with any eventuality.
With the monsoon season still active, experts caution that Jharkhand may witness more spells of intense rain in the coming weeks. The situation underscores the urgent need for better drainage infrastructure and preparedness to mitigate urban flooding in the state’s major cities.
