Cyclone Komen has placed Jharkhand out of rain deficit zone as the cyclonic activity took entire State under its grip with heavy to very heavy rainfall being reported in some districts in the last 24 hours. To the delight of farmers, Komen has brought some hope of a good harvest even in the dry pockets of Jharkhand.
According to the Ranchi office of Indian Meteorological Department, rainfall of 130 to10mm was recorded across the State between 8.30 am on Friday and 8.30 am on Saturday. As a result of the incessant rain, Jharkhand is comfortably placed with 18 per cent of excess rain as paddy sowing has started in the rice growing pockets of the State. The IMD predicts more showers in next two days.
"Komen has turned into a deep depression and it will change into depression in next few days. Its movement is slow and it is heading in north-west direction that is why heavy rain is predicted at isolated places in Jharkhand on August 2 and 3," said Forecast Officer of IMD, Ranchi, U Shrivastava.
According to Skymet, the weather system moving in west-northwest direction is likely to weaken further into a well-marked low pressure area within next 24 hours. However, the cyclonic system has showered kindness on the vast farmlands of Jharkhand in the absence of the usual features of a cyclone.
"Komen has been favourable as it lacked the usual features of a cyclone like high-speed wind and thus saved farming from the ill effects of cyclonic activity. It will be immensely beneficial for farming because it has brought enough clouds with it which will help in paddy sowing," said agriculture scientist at Birsa Agriculture University A Wadood.
Notwithstanding the benefits to the peasants dependent on rainwater, normal life went into tailspin as rain played cat and mouse with people on Saturday. The spell of shower brought by the storm that raised hood in the Bay of Bengal flooded streets at some locations and water entered into houses in low lying areas. Residents of Islam Nagar, Darji Mohalla, Madhukam jostled to flush out water from their houses.
Meanwhile, the district administration of Dumka cancelled leave of all Government employees due to heavy rain that lashed the city in last 48 hours and embankments are being created on drains to check water from entering houses. Notably, Dumka has experienced very heavy rain due to proximity to the eye of the storm.
Department of Disaster Management has issued advisories for people to stay away from picnic spots and avoid taking shelter under frail trees.