 | In Mawsynram the average rainfall is 1400 cms which is
located on the crest on the southern range of Khasi hills.
|
| In 1861, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya recorded 2298.7 cms of rain.
|
| The rain bearing winds are strong. They blow at an average speed of 30
km/hr.
|
| Barring the extreme North-West, they overrun the country in a month's
time .
|
| The sudden approach of the moisture laden winds is associated with
violent thunder and lightening.This is known as "Break and Burst" of the
monsoons.
|
| Cherrapunji, located 16 kms east of Mawsynram, holds some other rainfall
records.
|
| For a fair amount of rainfall in the Northern plains, it is
essential that for the most part the axis of the monsoons trough should lie in the
plain.
|
| On the other hand, whenever the axis shifts close to the Himalayas
, there are longer dry spells in the plains, and widespread rains in the mountainous
catchment areas of the Himalayan rivers.
|
| These heavy rains bring in their wake devastating floods causing great
damage to life and property.
|
| The monsoons are known for their uncertainties. The alternation of dry
and wet spells keeps on changing intensity, frequency and duration.
|
| On one hand if they cause heavy floods in one part they maybe
responsible for draughts in other. Then they are often found irregular and unpunctual in
their advent as well as retreat, dislocating the entire farming schedule of millions of
farmers.
|
