Telangana stares at 95% October rainfall deficit; 12 districts completely dry

Telangana has recorded a 95 per cent October rainfall deficit, with 12 districts getting no rain at all; Hyderabad itself is at a 97 per cent shortfall. Officials are studying the impact of El Nino on rain and agriculture as reservoir worries grow.

Telangana has recorded a 95 per cent rainfall deficit in October so far, receiving only 3.5 mm of rain against a normal of 75.6 mm up to October 21, according to India Meteorological Department data. Twelve districts recorded no rainfall at all during the period, while the remaining 21 reported large shortfalls, raising concerns over soil moisture, crop prospects and water availability.

Hyderabad has fared even worse: the city received 2.8 mm between October 1 and 21 against its October normal of about 114 mm, a 97 per cent deficit. October is a crucial transition month as the state moves from the southwest monsoon toward the northeast monsoon, and the weak rainfall is affecting soil recharge and putting added pressure on urban water management systems.

Officials are assessing the possible impact of El Nino on rainfall patterns and agriculture, with prolonged dry conditions threatening crop planning and reservoir levels. With only a few days remaining in the month, Telangana would need very heavy rainfall to make up the deficit -- a sharp contrast to October 2020, when Hyderabad received a record 400.7 mm.