Mawsynram, a town nestled in the lush forests of the Khasi Hills in the far eastern part of India near Bangladesh, is known as the wettest place on Earth. With an annual rainfall of about 11,873mm, it receives nearly 11 times more rain than the famously damp city of Glasgow and a staggering 22 times more than London’s yearly precipitation.
Jyotiprasad Oza, a long-time resident of Mawsynram, makes a living by guiding curious tourists around the area. The town attracts around 10,000 visitors each year, especially during the heavy rainy season from June to September when the downpours are particularly intense.
The rainfall in Mawsynram is unique in its persistence, often lasting for days without respite. In a single day in June last decade, the town experienced an extraordinary 1,003mm of rainfall, double the entire annual precipitation of London. This extreme weather can lead to dangerous situations, making it impossible for locals to go outside, disrupting daily routines, and even causing school closures.
During the monsoon season, landslides, flooding, power outages, and water system challenges pose significant risks to the residents of Mawsynram. Despite the stunning natural beauty of the area, many locals express a desire to move to drier regions due to the constant dampness.
The town’s exceptional precipitation levels are influenced by its location 1,400m above sea level, which creates a highland climate intensified by humid air masses from the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon. Additionally, the positioning of the Khasi Hills acts as a natural barrier, affecting airflow patterns in the region.
To cope with the relentless rainfall, residents of Mawsynram have developed innovative solutions, such as soundproofed homes and traditional Knups umbrellas made from bamboo and banana leaves. These measures help mitigate the impact of the heavy downpours on their daily lives.
Aside from the rain, Mawsynram also attracts visitors with its breathtaking scenery, including vantage points and cascading waterfalls like the renowned Nohkalikai Waterfalls, which rank as the fourth tallest in the world.
