Published: June 6, 2026 • 8:13 AM IST · Updated: June 6, 2026 • 8:32 AM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
The year was 1876. Monsoon failed, crops withered and one of the deadliest famines in Indian history began to unfold.
Over the next two years, the Great Famine linked to a powerful El Nino event claimed an estimated 55 lakh to 82 lakh lives across the country.
Nearly 150 years later, as scientists watch another potentially strong El Nino take shape in the Pacific, memories of that catastrophe are resurfacing as a reminder of how deeply shifts in the climate system can reshape life on land.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a 10% deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall from the Long Period Average this year.
Monsoon is expected to reach Telangana by June 10. According to the IMD, ENSO-neutral conditions in the equatorial Pacific are transitioning towards El Nino conditions.
Quick context: Monsoon failed, crops withered and one of the deadliest famines in Indian history began to unfold.