Ranchi, Oct 1 (IANS): Jharkhand has witnessed 19 per cent less rainfall in this monsoon season till September 30, the Meteorological Department said.

"The rainfall during the current monsoon season (June-September) in the country was 110 per cent of its long period average (LPA). However, in Jharkhand, this figure came to 81 per cent of the LPA. The rainfall received over the state was 19 per cent," the MeT said in a press release here.

"In September, Jharkhand witnessed 266 mm rainfall against 234.7 mm. But the overall rainfall from June to September was 858.9 mm against the normal rainfall of 1,054.7 mm. The month-wise deficit was 55, 25 and 13 per cent in June, July and August respectively. However, Jharkhand witnessed 13 per cent more rainfall this month but the overall deficit in four months was 19 per cent," the statement said.

It said the monthly rainfall received in the state as a whole was 45 per cent of the LPA in June, 75 per cent in July, 87 per cent in August and 113 per cent in September.