Extreme rainfall events of over 15 cm a day have quadrupled in frequency over the Meghalaya plateau in the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills and surrounding areas in Assam between 1950 and 2021 as a result of climate change, a new study has found. Meghalaya has been a high rainfall region, with Cherrapunji and Mawsynram among the wettest places in India and globally. But, India Meteorological Department’s data indicates that monsoon rain over the north-eastern region, including Meghalaya, is seeing a decreasing trend in the past 30 years.
Every monsoon, dark clouds gather with purpose, their intricate layers rolling over hills of northeast India like a cascade of silken drapes, cloaking the landscape in mist. As the rains drape its hills, they breathe life into every leaf and stream, crafting a living tapestry that captivates both locals and visitors. This enchanting region, particularly the state of Meghalaya, is cradled by nature’s monsoonal bounty. Nestled in the East Khasi Hills, Mawsynram proudly holds the Guinness World Record for the highest annual rainfall, typically receiving an astonishing average of 11,872 millimetres of rain each year. The region has one of the longest monsoon seasons, from June to October. The beauty of this region is not solely defined by its statistics. Visitors to Mawsynram often find themselves entranced by the symphony of rain, each drop singing a lullaby to the vibrant greens that carpet the earth. It is a place where the rain doesn’t merely fall; it sings, dances, and transforms the landscape into a paradise abundant with biodiversity. Everybody wondered why northeast India receives such heavy rainfall?
A few important factors to note are the physical and geographical features that influence rainfall there. “Two key elements are the region’s relief and latitude. The first factor is the area’s unique topography, and then the southwest monsoon, which is followed by orographic rainfall. “The eastern Himalayan range and the hills in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam are crucial for the Southwest monsoon. The bend in the Himalayan range towards the northeast, known as the syntaxial bend, plays a significant role.
Think of it like this: the region acts like a giant natural funnel. During summer, the land heats up and create a low-pressure area. “In summer, winds from the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon (high-pressure area) bring moisture and crash against the windward side of the towering hills of Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia. Here, they ascend, cool and condense into clouds that soar above Mawsynram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. “Thus, in Mawsynram, the moisture-laden monsoon winds hit the Khasi Hills, they’re forced to rise. As they rise, the air cools, and the moisture condenses into heavy clouds. Result? Torrential rain, almost like the sky is pouring buckets.
Northeast India finds itself at the mercy of nature’s whims too, with rivers such as the Brahmaputra surging in fury, carrying stories of displacement. This monsoon, heavy rain-triggered floods and landslides have reportedly claimed 49 lives across north-eastern states, affecting the lives of over six and a half lakh people recently. As floods sweep across the states, leaving highways submerged and lands precariously sliding, the need for sustainable solutions becomes imperative. “The lack of systemic efforts intensifies the water crisis, “says an expert, urging a progressive symphony where modern science and ancient wisdom harmonise. “Creating reservoirs, both real and artificial, could rewrite the monsoon’s script, and transform challenges into opportunities. Amidst this abundance, another poignant paradox unfolds. The Northeast, so rich in rain, faces the crippling irony of water scarcity. In these hills, women often tread generations-old paths, heavy pots balanced precariously upon their heads and waists.
These extreme rains are projected to increase further in these regions in the near future, which mean that we should be prepared with a long-term vision. “We should identify the hotspots and flood-proof each district that is prone to extreme rains and landslides. “We find that the monsoon extreme event increase is on-going and the region of quadrupled events further extends over northeast Bangladesh and India and Southeast Bangladesh in future (2050-2079) compared with historical simulations (1950-1979). A quadrupling of the intense daily moisture transport episodes due to increased monsoon flow instability, a northward shift of LLJ/monsoon flow, and increased moisture contribute to the increased future extreme events. More devastating flood-causing extreme rainfall events will become more frequent in the future, the research found. The team compared their findings with a couple of other datasets to find similar trends.
“Despite the purity of this rainwater, insufficient harvesting efforts leave communities parched. Although technology exists to convert ocean water to potable water, local communities often rely on small streams and remain vulnerable to water shortages. “The government and individuals must prioritise creating better water management strategies including rainwater harvesting structures and artificial and natural lakes. The geographic advantages of Northeast India should ideally contribute to sustainable water solutions. Mawsynram isn’t just about heavy rain — it’s a place where nature, culture, and climate come together in unique ways. From record-breaking rainfall to real-life water challenges, it has stories worth experiencing. Would you want to visit Mawsynram and see it all for yourself?
(Writer can be reached at:sjugeshwor7@gmail.com)