Jharkhand is likely to receive intermittent rain for two more days because of a deep depression over the neighbouring State of Chhattisgarh. The system that is unfolding will advance towards northeastwards and will grip the entire Jharkhand with the possibility of torrential rain.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department at Ranchi, although the threat of Hudhud cyclone has vanished, the State will be under the grip of cyclonic conditions with rainfall likely to be 10 mm to 20 mm.
"There is a deep depression over Chhattisgarh. The system will move towards north and then northeastwards. So, there are chances of rain in Jharkhand that will be accompanied by wind," said the Forecast Officer at IMD Ranchi, RK Mahto.
Hudhud that hit the coasts on Sunday gradually lost its ferocity as it entered the interior country and failed to cause damage in Jharkhand. The effect was limited to heavy rains and low intensity winds that lacked strength to even break frail trees in the Capital.
The cyclone hit the eastern coast of India at 12 pm on Sunday and changed course after weakening considerably in the first six hours. Jharkhand was supposed to feel the impact on Monday morning but till late evening there was no visible devastation in terms of loss of property, lives or infrastructure.
"There is no official report of any casualty (in Jharkhand)," said State Coordinator, Disaster Management, Colonel Sanjay Shrivastava.
Notably, the southern parts of Jharkhand witnessed heavy rain with urban areas of Jamshedpur experiencing 150 mm of rain, Ghatshila witnessing 90 mm of rain with the exception of Simdega where the rainfall was measured at 20 mm. Wind velocity was measured at 20-30 kmph after the cyclone's periphery took Jharkhand in its grip.
The cyclone could not inflict damage to standing crops. However, the next 48 hours could be crucial for Jharkhand as the advancing system could grip the entire State and is likely to result in torrential rain.
The rain, in fact, is a boon for standing crops as well as for future crops. "If the rain is accompanied by wind of 40 kmph and above then only crops will suffer, otherwise it is good for crops. But the next 48 hours are crucial because of the system," said agricultural scientist at Birsa Agriculture University, A Wadood.
In fact, the city was brighter amid the gloomy predictions of colossal loss to property. Barring a few hours of disruptions, electricity services remained immune to the prophecy of devastation. Electricity supply was less by about 91MW at 664MW compared to the requirement of 775MW.
"Barring Chaibasa there is no report of impact of cyclone on electricity supplies. Yet, our control room will continue for a few more days," said PRO, Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam limited, Pandey Ramnikant Sinha.
Meanwhile, the people of Jamshedpur especially those living in lowp-lying areas heaved a sigh of relief as the sky remained clear for most part of the day.