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The town of Cherrapunji, located in Indian state Meghalaya is considered the rainiest place on Earth. The annual rainfall here exceeds 11 thousand mm.

The state of Meghalaya is located on the Shillong Plateau in the Eastern Khasi Mountains in northeastern India. Geographical position State defines its unique natural phenomenon: the average annual rainfall here is more than 11 meters! By comparison, that's about 13 times the rainfall one of the rainiest cities in the US, Seattle, receives.

Heavy rain clouds rise up the Shillong Plateau from Bangladesh's southerly valleys, picking up more evaporative moisture as they move north. Encountering the steep slopes of the Meghalaya hills on their way, the clouds can no longer hold the accumulated moisture and pour almost incessant rain on the plateau.

The peak of precipitation falls on the two hottest summer months, during which more than half of the annual norm falls here.

Until now, precipitation levels are measured here with the help of such a primitive device, but at the end of 2014 it will be replaced by a modern automatic digital station.

Locals working outdoors escape the rain with the help of traditional "umbrellas". Made from bamboo and banana leaves, these simple devices keep both hands free for field work and also protect against strong winds.

During the rainy season, strong water currents often lead to the destruction of the rock and blocking roads. Until October locals are forced to cope with this problem on their own, sorting out the rubble almost manually. After the end of the rainy season, heavy equipment comes to the aid of people. Earnings of these people do not exceed $3 a day.

AT summer months it rains every day, intensifying at night.

The state of Meghalaya is dominated by ethnicity khasi. The total number of Khasis in India is about 1 million people.

70% of local residents profess Christianity. The first church in these places was founded in 1841 by a missionary, Reverend Thomas Jones.

One of the most amazing and interesting features region are living bridges thrown over many local rivers. because of high humidity, wooden bridges in these places become unusable and rot in a few years. Therefore, local residents have learned to build unusual structures from the roots of rubber trees growing along the coast.

The basis of such a bridge is made up of bamboo trunks, which are slowly, day after day, entwined with the growing roots of rubber trees. After 6-8 years, when the bamboo inside the bridge rots, the intertwined roots can already bear the weight of a person. Bridges braided in this way can last for many years, strengthening even more as the roots grow.

Many people think that London is the rainiest place in the world. This is not true. In fact, England is not the rainiest country even in Europe. For comparison, the annual rainfall in Moscow is 691 mm, in London - 599 mm. Below is a list of the ten rainiest places on Earth, but several regions claim the title of the most at once, due to different data from different meteorological services.

Kikori, Papua New Guinea

Kikori is a settlement located in the delta of the river of the same name on the island of New Guinea. The region is notable for its diverse ecosystem, dense forests and a complex network of rivers. Average annual quantity precipitation here is about 5 840 mm.

Andagoya, Colombia

Andagoya is a city in western Colombia. Known for its equatorial and humid climate, with uniform temperatures throughout most of the year. The average annual rainfall here is 6 817 mm. It usually rains at night.

Henderson Lake, British Columbia

Lake Henderson (Henderson Lake) - a lake with an area of ​​14.94 square meters. km. It is located in the southwest of Canada, 3,700 km west of the capital Ottawa, on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia. On average, in the vicinity of the lake falls annually 6903 mm precipitation.

Bellenden Ker Range, Australia

The Bellenden Ker Range, also known as the Wooroonooran Range, is a coastal mountain range located on far north State of Queensland, 2 thousand km from the Australian capital of Canberra. It stretches for 65 km and is the wettest area on the mainland. The annual rainfall here exceeds 8 312 mm.

Quibdo, Colombia

Quibdo is a city located on the Atrato River in western Colombia. Known as the most rainy place in Latin America and one of the wettest regions of our planet. On average, it falls here 8 989 mm precipitation per year.

Debunja, Cameroon

Debunja is a village in Fako department, Cameroon. It is located on the southwestern slope of the active volcano Cameroon, in the southwestern region of the republic. This village with an average annual rainfall 10 299 mm ranked fifth in our rankings.

Waialeale, USA

Waialeale is a volcano located in the heart of the island of Kauai, Hawaiian Islands. On its slopes, on average, falls 11 684 mm precipitation, but special climatic conditions contribute to the development of lush vegetation. Due to frequent rains, the top of the volcano is almost always hidden either in thick fog or haze.

Cherrapunji, India

Cherrapunji - small town ca in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is located on the Shillong Plateau, north of the border with Bangladesh at an altitude of 1313 m above sea level. Along with the village of Mavsynram and the city of Lloro, it is the rainiest and wettest place on Earth. Falls here every year 11,777 mm precipitation.

Mawsynram, India

Mawsynram is a settlement located at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level in the north-east of India, 16 km west of Cherrapunji. This village, along with the city of Lloro and Cherrapunji, is considered the rainiest place in the world. Falls here every year 11 872 mm precipitation.

Lloro, Colombia

Lloro is a municipality and city in Colombia. Estimates based on records meteorological station, established in the city, this area holds the absolute record for the amount of precipitation in the world - on average 13 300 mm in year.

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As you know, the Sun on Earth shines for everyone - however, not always with the same intensity warming us with its warmth. But if the cold periods are nevertheless replaced by warm ones, then the distribution of water precipitation is devoid of even the semblance of some kind of justice.

There are places in the world where heavy rains pour literally every day, forcing the locals to suffer from high humidity. Where is the wettest place on earth?

The rainiest place according to Guinness book

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the wettest and rainiest place on our planet is in India. It is located in the state of Meghalaya, on one of the slopes of the East Khasi mountain range. This is the town of Mawsynrem, in which there is even a special sign indicating that the rainiest and wet place on the globe is right here.

During the year, 11870 mm of water pours onto the roofs of Mausynrem. Is it a lot or a little? If the 38-meter statue of Christ from Rio de Janeiro stood in Mausinrem, then the water collected during the year would reach the knees of Jesus.

The name of the town in translation means "land of clouds", as it is very often, especially during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, dense clouds reign. Constantly high humidity at this time, it pretty annoys the locals, who, however, have learned to deal with the weather.

During the rainiest season, the inhabitants of the city throw a kind of umbrellas over their heads and shoulders, which are woven from thin bamboo shoots and wide leaves of a banana tree. They cover the roofs of houses with thick layers of straw so as not to be annoyed by the constant sound of falling drops.

Distinctive feature Local places that attract tourists along with the rainy climate are the so-called "living bridges" from the roots of rubber trees. These bridges, thrown over rocky clefts or over small rivers, not only do not collapse over the years, but, on the contrary, become even more durable.

They are “built” as follows: they throw a light bridge of bamboo poles across the river and braid it with the roots of rubber trees. A year or two later, the bamboo humid climate completely rots, but the roots braiding it during this time are strengthened and grow thanks to generous rain watering.

Further maintenance of the bridge consists in periodic trimming of the roots, which every year strengthen the light hanging structure more and more.

Cherrapunji is Mawsynrem's main competitor

In the Indian state of Meghalaya, which is located on the Shillong Plateau, north of the border with Bangladesh, there is the rainiest place on the planet: Cherrapunji. Meghalaya means "shelter of the clouds" in Sanskrit. The city of Cherrapunji is located at an altitude of 1300 m above sea level, in the picturesque mountains of Khasi. It lies on the path of the monsoons coming to India from the southwest, right in the middle of the labyrinth of mountains, which forms a kind of funnel here from the incoming clouds.

The average rainfall in this area is 11.43 meters per year, that is, about three centimeters daily. But the record number fell in 1861 - 22.98 meters. Despite this fact, the tribal name of this place is Sohra, which in translation from the Kashmiri language means "infertile, barren". And when you turn onto the road leading to the town, you will realize that the Kashmiris were not joking - the landscapes around Cherrapunji are exactly reminiscent of views from westerns. The road stretches along the desert plain, and is interrupted only by groups of monolithic stones erected by the tribal people as an offering to the Gods for each newborn.

Residents of the city of Cherrapunji recall 1994, when a record rainfall of 24,555 mm fell on the tiled roofs of their houses. However, do not think that heavy clouds hang over this city all year round. When nature softens a little, and a bright sun rises over the surroundings, an amazingly beautiful rainbow hangs over Cherrapunji and the surrounding valley.

From time to time, the mountainous terrain is replaced by deep canyons. The cut in the ground is so stunning that during the dry season it is difficult to imagine what this place looks like in the rainy season, when the rain flows into the sea, jumping over high gorges. After heavy rains, the bottom of the canyon is dotted with dense vegetation several meters high.

Life in this place can be defined as follows: five months of almost continuous showers are followed by seven months of a hot dry season. Pakistanis and Indians have found a way to survive and manage such harsh natural conditions. Perhaps one of the most interesting adaptations is growing "living bridges from tree roots". These bridges are made from the roots of a special tree, guided along a certain wire frame until they take the form of a bridge. Such a process can take up to 25 years, and besides, it requires constant care and attention. Due to the mountainous desert terrain, such bridges can be found mainly at the bottom of canyons or in the forest.

Hello friends! Today I will tell interesting fact about the wettest city on earth - Cherrapunji. Like the article, do not forget to like.

In India, in the state of Meghalaya, there is a small city called Cherrapunji. About 10,000 inhabitants live here. The city is located above sea level at 1313 m. It is here that the greatest amount of precipitation falls. Record figures were recorded from August 1860 to July 1861. The largest amount of monthly rainfall here occurred in July 1861. In millimeters, the annual record of precipitation was 26471, and the monthly record was 9299 mm.

From November to February, the city has a dry and cool climate. average temperature in January it is +11.5 degrees, and in August the air warms up to +20.6.

The local population from the rain uses home-made "shells" woven using banana leaf and bamboo. This item serves as an umbrella for them.

The soil in this area is poor, the rains wash out everything useful. Limestone and coal are mined here. There is a cement plant on the territory of the city.

The name of the city means "abode of the clouds". Their large number can be explained by evaporation, which occurs under the influence of sun rays. air masses, moved by the wind, move to the southern slopes of the Himalayas. Here they rise up, pouring out then in the form of showers.

For tourists, showers cannot prevent them from enjoying their vacation and visiting local attractions, since most of the precipitation falls at night.

No matter how strange it may sound, but in this region with the highest amount of rainfall, there is not enough water. This is especially noticeable in winter period. So what is the reason for this paradox?

The answer is simple, the ongoing deforestation allows water to flow from the mountain slopes into the valleys closer to the city of Bangladesh.

Several additional reservoirs and dams can solve the problem, but so far this is all only at the design stage. This stage is well delayed, and the local population continues to live in conditions of water shortage.

This city has a peculiar nature with a lot of flowers. For example, here you can find big variety orchids. Their number approaches 300 species. There are also insectivorous plants.

The inhabitants of this place have to adapt to a peculiar climate and they do it well. One of the adaptation options is the cultivation of "". For this, special trees are suitable, the roots of which are guided along a special wire frame. When the roots of the trees take the form of a bridge, the bridge is ready for use. This process takes almost 10-15 years, and sometimes all 25. These years pass not just waiting for the roots to grow, but their regular direction in the form of a frame, tying with special knots.

Such bridges can be used for a long time, as over time they only become stronger. The oldest bridge in use is 500 years old. The wood used to make such a bridge is rubber.

The main population of the city of Cherrapunji are Khasis. Their social structure is based on the principles of matrilineality. AT new family after the wedding, the husband lives in the wife's house, and the children are registered in the mother's surname. All property is inherited through the female line. This is where the fight for men's rights begins.

Image copyright Alamy Image caption "Wettest place in the world" It's hard to disagree, isn't it?

When asked where the wettest place on Earth is, smart people can smugly answer that in the Mariana Trench.

Yes, in the western part Pacific Ocean, in the deepest place on our planet, where over 10,000 meters of water column overhead, it is really wet. But if we are discussing the dampest place on earth on the planet, the answer may be more difficult, the correspondent notes.

Currently, the Guinness Book of Records gives the palm to the village of Mosinram in India. Moisture brought from the Bay of Bengal, from the northeast of the Indian Ocean, collects over a plateau at an altitude of more than 1491 m, in the Eastern Khasi Mountains, from where the plains of Bangladesh are visible.

The consequence of such condensation is an amazing average amount of precipitation per year - more than 11871 mm. The tallest monument in the world, the 30-meter statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro would be knee-deep in water in such rains.

It is not surprising that this region has lush vegetation, many waterfalls and bizarre caves carved by water in limestone.

A little over 10 km to the east on the slopes of the Assam Mountains is the town of Cherrapunji, traditionally called Sohra by the locals, which is known as the second rainiest place on the planet.

He is inferior to Moshinram in average annual quantity rains only 100 mm, but he has enough other titles and records. It was here that the rainiest month and the rainiest year on record were recorded.

In July 1861, precipitation here amounted to 9300 mm. Since August last year, Cherrapunji has held the record for total annual rainfall of 26,470mm.

Both of these are extremely rainy settlements are located in the state of Meghalaya, whose name translates as the abode of the clouds.

Locals always carry with them unusual huge umbrellas woven from reeds, called "knups".

They cover the entire body from the rain, allowing the wearer to go about their daily activities, mainly repairing rain-eroded roads and buildings. Or go for food.

Farming in the region is not possible due to heavy rains, so products brought in from less rainy places are sold in covered markets under waterproof awnings.

Another significant problem is the maintenance of bridges in wet conditions. tropical jungle where traditional building materials rot very quickly. Local residents have found an ingenious solution - to connect thin tree roots with each other. The bridge consists of a bamboo frame, which is tied with the roots of rubber trees.

After 6-8 years, the bamboo rots, and there remains a "living bridge" of roots that are already able to withstand the weight of a person. Over time, such a structure only strengthens and perfectly withstands bad weather.

Indian rubber trees Ficuselastica) distinguished by strong flexible secondary roots growing from the trunk of the tree.

Locals throw hollowed-out betel trunks across streams and rivers, using them as guiding supports for thin rubber roots.

As soon as the roots reach the soil on the other side, they begin to harden and strengthen.

It takes about ten years to create a living bridge, but then such structures can serve for centuries. The oldest bridge in the region is known to be over 500 years old.

While settlements in the Khasi Mountains hold the historical record for rainfall, there have been recent speculations that the rainiest place in the world may not be there at all.

There are two main contenders, both in Colombia. However, technically they cannot be compared with the Indian champions.

Lloro is a city in northwestern Colombia, in the province of Choco. On a farm near the city, the average annual rainfall recorded between 1952 and 1954 was 13,473 mm.

This is much higher than at Moshinram, but the measurements were made with outdated instruments and therefore cannot claim an officially recognized record.

Meteorological historian Christopher S. Burt argues that another city on the other side of the Andes could also boast record rainfall.

"In fact, the wettest place on Earth is Puerto Lopez in Colombia, which averages 12,892mm of rain per year," he says.

But Burt points out that, despite a steady record of 50 years of rainfall in the area, there is a lack of data for several months in the middle of this period.

This means that precipitation data for Puerto Lopez are considered intermittent and cannot be compared with other areas of the world that have 30 years of continuous records.

"Despite this, because the records are so long and there are so many years without missing data, I can confidently say that Puerto Lopez usually receives more precipitation on average per year than Mosinram," Burt said.

This Colombian city is damp all year round due to its location in the foothills of the Northern Andes, stretching along west coast countries.

“Here, tropical moisture from the Pacific Ocean constantly enters the surf zone ... mountains block the path of this flow, and as a result it rains almost constantly over Puerto Lopez. I think that on average 320 days a year is coming rain. Precipitation is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year," Burt explains.

Opinions differ about the average value of precipitation and the likelihood of getting wet in the rain. For example, you will get wet in Mosinram with success, but it is even more likely that you will leave Puerto Lopez in squelching boots.

Until recently, the record for the wettest two-day period was held by Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean, where a tropical cyclone swept through. The question arose: is Reunion the sole champion in such a single meteorological phenomenon?

In the spring of 2014, a panel of experts from the World Meteorological Organization concluded that the two-day record for rainy weather belongs to Cherrapunji, where on June 15-16, 1995, a stunning 2493 mm of precipitation was recorded.

This brings us back to the state of Meghalaya, which earned its reputation as a rainy region thanks to its legendary monsoons. This is the prevailing seasonal wind rose, bringing annual extreme precipitation as rain to South and Southeast Asia.

Due to the monsoons, almost 90% of Mosinram's record annual rainfall can fall within half a year, from May to October. The rainiest month is July with its record 3500 mm.

But in dry winter months Very little rain falls from December to February.

And when locals experience a shortage of drinking water, the title of the wettest place on Earth sounds like a mocking paradox.