02 October,2009 07:52 AM IST | | Agencies
India's monsoon this year was the worst since 1972 with 23 per cent less rainfall than average, according to official data released yesterday.
"Comparing the seasonal rainfall during 2009 with that in previous years, it is the most deficient year after 1972," the earth sciences ministry said.
"The cumulative seasonal rainfall for the country as a whole is now 23 percent below the Long Period Average (LPA).
During 1972, the seasonal rainfall was 24 percent below the LPA for the country as a whole," it added.
The ministry said that rainfall is 'much less' in 59 percent of the over 600 districts in the country. It means there was less rain than average in around 360 districts.
"Considering district-wise rainfall during the period June 1 to Sep 30, the rainfall was deficient in 51 per cent districts and scanty in eight percent of total districts," it added.
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