Monsoon deficit eases in Kerala; scattered rain brings relief

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Concerns over a significant shortfall in the southwest monsoon in Kerala following the El Niño phenomenon are receding, with the State expected to receive the normal amount of rainfall by the end of the monsoon season in September.

The rainfall deficit in the State currently stands at 21 per cent. Against the expected 1,735.2 mm, Kerala has received 1,365.8 mm of rainfall so far. Eight districts have received average rainfall. Six districts are facing a rainfall deficit. However, none of the districts in the State falls under the India Meteorological Department's 'large deficient' rainfall category. Most areas have been receiving isolated spells of rain.

The rainfall received over the past week has helped raise water levels in dams. The combined water level in Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) dams stood at 64 per cent as of the previous day, compared with 37 per cent on August 1.

The water level in the Idukki dam stood at 63 per cent. During the monsoon season, the water level in Idukki had fallen below 30 per cent, raising concerns over domestic power generation.

With the rise in water levels, hydropower generation has also increased. Generation stood at 21.7611 million units on the previous day, compared with less than 18 million units on August 1.

Domestic power generation increased, while the State purchased 60 million units of electricity from outside on the previous day.

Districts with average rainfall: Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Kasaragod, Ernakulam and Kannur.

Districts with rainfall deficit: Alappuzha, Idukki, Kollam, Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad.