Rainy Season Essay: The Joys of the Monsoon

India is known for its rainy season. The major portion of our country falls in the tropical region. It means that we enjoy a tropical season where the southwest winds carry down clouds from June till September. Torrential rain occurs in this season in my city. This season behaves differently in different locations in India. Rajasthan gets the least rain whereas Meghalaya receives the highest rain every year. It all depends on the topography of our country. 

The Himalayan Ranges stop the moisture-containing winds and transform them into clouds. These clouds then travel down to the northeastern states to shower their blessings. Monsoon winds from the oceans reach different states and shed loads of water as rain on the other states.

We enjoy our rainy season for 3 to 4 months every year. Heavy clouds are formed in the sky when the southwest monsoon winds invade with a lot of moisture from the sea. By losing temperature, these clouds start getting heavier. Once the motion of the clouds slows down due to increased weight, raindrops form, and shower from the sky. The cool breeze and rain make our atmosphere quite enjoyable. 

Dark clouds and lightning are the symbols of heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms are also quite common in India. Due to our diverse landforms and huge area, the behaviour of the rainy season is also diverse. We have learned how to harvest rainwater and tackle droughts. Villages and cities are also learning how to harvest it and recycle it for future use and to naturally increase the level of the water table in the earth.

In our villages, farmers start working on the fields before the rainy season hits. Using the natural water supply, the farmers irrigate their lands and grow various crops relevant to this season. Rain fills our ponds, rivers, and streams. It also gets settled down and increases the freshwater reserve underground. This freshwater reserve is then used as a drinking and irrigation source for the rest of the year. A major part of the northern and southern states in India prefers the rainy season for growing different crops and vegetables.

My city turns out quite beautiful and soothing. After the hot gloomy days of summer, the rainy season hits and removes the dusty look of my city. The trees seem very happy when their leaves are washed clean. The environment becomes greener and pleasant. Excessive rainfall also causes water logging. The municipal corporation takes care of the logged water and drains it out using pumps. Due to excessive construction and dumping of natural water reserves, water logging is common these days.

The rainy season is important for our crops. It also keeps the surrounding flora healthy and thus takes care of the fauna living with it. Without it, our planet will turn barren. Life will not survive as we see around us. The onset of the rainy season brings freshness and peace of mind. We all eagerly wait for it during the summer days. A rainy day is always the most exciting day for a child playing outside. You will also find rainbows in the sky quite amazing. 

Ways To Stay Safe During The Rainy Season

Monsoon indeed gives relief from the scorching sun and hot and dry climate but it also brings lots of diseases with it. Due to heavy rains, humid climate and strong winds, many infectious diseases are spread among people. Some of the common health problems during the rainy season are swine flu, colds, viral fever and stomach infections.

Underneath are some tips which must be followed by everyone to keep themselves healthy and safe during monsoon season:

• Use rain gears: While going out in the rainy season, people must use their rain gear like waterproof boots, hooded raincoats and umbrellas. As children have a weak immune system, they should not step out in the rain without proper rain equipment otherwise they might catch a cold.

• A warm shower: People are advised to take a warm shower if they are drenched. This will help their bodies to get stabilized and return to the normal temperature. Also, they should use hot water for bathing as the temperature is very low during the monsoons.

• Basic safety: Children or adults who are doing outdoor activities like swimming should go inside the campus if they hear any thunder and even if it has not started raining yet. They should avoid open areas like playgrounds and metal objects like light poles when they hear thunder.

• Avoid stagnant water: Stagnant water is a breeding place for mosquitoes that spreads diseases like malaria and dengue. To avoid this situation, people should regularly empty the still water sources like pet water bowls, planters trays and plates and inflatable pools around the homes.

• Keep away from floodwaters: Wading in flood water, especially barefoot, is a fun activity for kids. Children should not go in floodwater as they might get infected by a bacterial disease called leptospirosis. Also, they should disinfect their toys that are contaminated by this water before playing with them.

• Cleanliness is important: During the rainy season, people catch a common cold. They should always sanitize their hand before doing any work or eating. People should always wash their hands and feet when they come home, especially after getting in contact with floodwater.

• Don't eat junk food: As the monsoon brings many diseases with it, therefore, everyone should avert eating junk or oily food. They should eat homemade food as it will help them in boosting their immunity. People can also eat fruits and green vegetables after washing them properly.

• Avoid sharing things: Viral fever is a communicable disease. Therefore, people suffering from viral fever should not share their things with other people as they may also get infected. 

 Significance Of Rain

• A human needs freshwater to maintain his immune system and digestive system. The availability of fresh water helps in supporting the existence of human life. The toxins of the human body come out in the form of urine and sweat.

• All plants, grass, trees and flowers need water for their survival and flourishment. When the rainy season comes, the rainwater gets stored in the ground which is used by the seeds for their growth and nourishment.

• The rainy season changes the atmosphere of the surroundings. The temperature gets lower and the environment becomes cool. The rainfall increases the water level in the rivers and lakes so that animals can use this water for drinking. The soil soaks the rainwater which plants use to convert solar energy into nutrition.

• People can store this rainwater by using the technique of rainwater harvesting. From the rooftop, the water moves down through the pipe and gets collected in the tanks or cisterns. 

• Rainwater can also become a source for generating electricity which is known as hydroelectricity. Due to rainfall, there is an increment in the water level of the ponds and lakes. People also make small ponds to collect this rainwater and use this water to generate electricity.