30 SURFACE FACTORS WEATHER AND CLIMATE 31
T
he monsoons are a climatic phenomenon governing the life and the economy of one of the most
densely populated regions of the planet, especially India. The arrival of the intense rains is
celebrated as the end of a season that might have been extremely dry, but it is also feared. Theflooding at times devastates agriculture and housing. The damage is even greater because of the
large population of the region. Therefore, anticipating disaster and taking precautions, such as
evacuating areas prone to flooding, are part of the organization of agricultural activity,
which thrives in periods of heavy rains, even in fields that are flooded.
Good Fortune and Catastrophe
Precipitation
(in inches [mm])Very humidExtreme
humidityHumidNormalVery dryExtremely
dry16 (400)8 (200)4 (100)2 (50)1 (25)0.4 (10)0.04 (1)0 (0)OVERFLOWING RIVERS
The valley that connects the
Ganges with the Brahmaputra
in Bangladesh is the most
afflicted by floods caused by
these rains. The rains destroy
harvests and property.UNDERWATER HARVEST
The mud increases the fertility
of the soil, which compensates
for the losses. The accumulation
of humid sand is later used in
the dry season. Rice is a grain
that grows in fields that are
underwater.In June 2006
The tragic outcome of the
monsoon in South AsiaNueva Delhi~
DEATHS
on June 16, 200621
DEATHS
On June 16,
2006~1 million
PEOPLE STRANDED BY STORMS
IN BANGLADESH~
During the month of June 2006.
Most of them were electrocuted by
lightning during electrical storms.BANGLADESH
INDIAKeralaDhakaUttaranchalDEATHS IN
INDIAINDIA AND
BANGLADESH
Total population
1.25 billion