Record-Breaking Monsoon in Jharkhand Claims 458 Lives as Climate Change Intensifies Rainfall Patterns

Lightning strikes claimed 186 lives while 178 people perished in drowning incidents related to the heavy rainfall.

Ranchi:

Jharkhand experienced its most severe monsoon season in a decade this year, causing widespread devastation throughout the state.

Official data revealed that between June and September, at least 458 fatalities occurred due to heavy rainfall and associated calamities, with thousands of homes damaged and extensive farmland destruction.

According to compiled statistics from various state departments, lightning strikes resulted in 186 deaths, while drowning incidents in rain-related circumstances claimed 178 lives. The remaining casualties were attributed to floods, landslides, and house collapses.

The torrential rains completely destroyed 467 houses and partially damaged over 8,000, while crops across 2,390 hectares were ruined, particularly affecting Ranchi, Gumla, Lohardaga, and Simdega districts.

In Sahibganj district alone, approximately 20,000 residents were displaced due to rising water levels of the Ganga.

"Jharkhand recorded 1,199.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 30, which represents an 18 percent increase above normal levels," Abhishek Anand, Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, informed PTI.

"This is the highest rainfall the state has experienced in the past decade. The closest comparable measurement was 1,101.8 mm in 2016," he added.

Anand attributed the unprecedented rainfall to climate change and elevated sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal, which triggered frequent low-pressure formations moving toward Jharkhand.

"The Bay of Bengal exhibited unusual activity this season, resulting in repeated heavy downpours across eastern and southeastern districts," he explained.

Among the districts, East Singhbhum recorded the highest precipitation with 1,669.5 mm, followed by Saraikela-Kharsawan (1,526.3 mm) and Ranchi (1,550.2 mm), each exceeding 50 percent of normal rainfall levels.

The IMD has forecast a "pink cold" or mild winter around Diwali and Chhath Puja, potentially followed by a more severe cold period later in the season.

"The intensity of winter will be influenced by global factors such as La Nina, changes in wind patterns, and snowfall in the Himalayan region," Anand elaborated.

While rainfall activity has begun to decrease, the IMD predicts isolated moderate rain with thunder and lightning in some areas until October 12, after which dry conditions are expected to prevail as the monsoon withdraws.