El Nino has affected monsoon adversely: Government

NEW DELHI: The El Nino has adversely affected the monsoon in the country so far and is expected to further affect the rainfall in coming months, government today said.

In a written response to a question in Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Earth Sciences Harsh Vardhan said India has received 7% less rainfall than what is normal during the period between June 1 and July 20.

"El Nino has adversely affected the monsoon so far as per the model forecasts. It is also expected to affect the monsoon in coming months."

"According to the latest status, moderate El-Nino conditions are persistent in the Pacific and latest forecasts indicate that the El-Nino conditions are likely to strengthen further during the remaining months of the monsoon season and post monsoon season," Vardhan said.

Elaborating on the overall rainfall received in the country, the Minister said all areas expect north west India has recorded deficient rainfall. The east and northeast has received minus 6%, central India minus 15%, south peninsula minus 12% while northwest India has 9% surplus rainfall against its normal.

The government has predicted a "deficient" monsoon this year with July and August expected to receive minus 8% and minus 10% rainfall respectively.

In response to another question, Vardhan added operational forecast for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand are also provided with operational forecasts.