The Trent and Mersey Canal breached its banks at Dutton after heavy rain in September, leaving a hole the size of 12 double decker buses in the side.

BBC: Work starts to repair breached Trent and Mersey Canal

This figure may now be lower: torrential rain in late September drove many refugees down from the mountains, where they were sheltering under plastic sheeting and tarpaulins, into nearby towns.

ECONOMIST: Getting ready for war

Last year, India received less rain in the first half of the June-September monsoon season than usual, hitting western India, which has endured a two year-long dry spell, particularly hard.

WSJ: Rains to Lash Drought-Hit Western India

Last year, India received below-normal rain in the first half of the June-September monsoon season, and while it picked up in some areas from late August, large parts of west and south India didn't benefit.

WSJ: India Set For Normal Monsoon