Chennai: With the North East Monsoon drawing to a close in less than a month, Tamil Nadu stares at a scanty rainfall with 62 per cent shortage.
The situation in Chennai is no different as the metropolis suffers at a deficiency of 500 mm in its average annual quota if 825 mm from the North East monsoon.
The alarming statistics reiterate the fact that the state is heading for a severe water scarcity and a shortage in food production in delta districts.
“Chennai has received a mere 325mm till date against the 825mm it should have received. Tamil Nadu has received an average of 162mm against the average of 421 mm,” said Pradeep John, independent weather blogger.
Ironically, Cyclone Vardah was a blessing in disguise as it contributed 10 per cent rainfall to the parched city. According to the statistics availed from Chennai Metro Water, Chennai noted a combined storage capacity of 1,318 mcft on the onset of North East Monsoon on October 30.
“The combined capacity of the four reservoirs - Poondy, Cholavaram, Red Hills and Chembarambakkam — depleted in the past month due to the absence of significant rains. However, the capacity was just 774 mcft on December 1 had increased to 1,935 mcft after Cyclone Vardah,” said a Metro Water official.
As there are no system formations in the vicinity, officials from Regional Meteorological Centre predict dry weather conditions in Chennai for the next few days.
The Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, S. Balachandran said, “Isolated rains were witnessed at South Tamil Nadu due to the trough of low pressure formed over South West Bay of Bengal across Gulf of Mannar.” Delta districts including Thiruvarur and Pudukottai received about 3 mm rainfall on Tuesday.
