The 2024 monsoon season has concluded with 7.6% more rainfall than the normal average with excessive rainfall being observed in several states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangan, and Andhra Pradesh, says the Meteorological Department of India.

However, the southwest monsoon has not fully withdrawn from the country. It normally retreates by end of September but this year there is delay. Usually, the monsoon starts to withdraw around September 17 and has completely retreated by October 15. However, this year, the withdrawal was delayed due to a low-pressure system in northwest India, commencing only on September 23.

According to the Met office, it is expected that by October 10 the monsoon will completely retreat. Heavy rains are likely to persist in the eastern and northeastern states for another two weeks which could make the flood situation even worse  

The country gets 70% of its annual rainfall in the monsoon which irrigates half of India’s farmlands. India's agricultural sector depends on the monsoon, as more than half of the net cultivated area relies on it. This system of rainfall plays an important role in helping refill reservoirs that make available drinking water and facilitate power generation throughout the country.

Source: Media Reports