Panaji: As rain continued to pummel the state, the India Meteorological Department on Wednesday afternoon issued a red alert, and the state disaster management authority (SDMA) alerted citizens about possible flooding and other impacts of the “extremely heavy rainfall”.
The copious spell continued overnight on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning as the seasonal total touched 2,341mm (92.1 inches). The normal value at this state of the monsoon is 1,805.6mm (71 inches).
Even with five days still to go in July, the surplus for the month has hit 29.7%, beating the 28% deficit recorded in June,
Till Wednesday morning, the 24-hour rainfall in a few hinterland centres crossed the century mark, with Valpoi recording the highest total of 160.7mm, followed by Sanguem with 142.5mm, Sanquelim with 131.4mm, Quepem with 100.4mm, Old Goa with 99.6mm, and Mapusa with 64.2mm. Figures for Margao were not available.
A combination of a few systems has triggered this widespread and intense rainfall activity — an active monsoon trough, a well-marked low pressure area over west central and adjoining northwest Bay Bengal off north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts, and a cyclonic circulation over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining east Rajasthan, extending up to 3.1km up above mean sea level.
An off-shore trough at mean sea level from south Konkan coast to north Kerala has, however, become less marked, the IMD Panaji bulletin stated.
Cautioning the public about possible impact, IMD Panaji said that short-term water logging, as well as flooding of roads and low-lying areas and homes could occur due to the very heavy rainfall.
IMD Panaji has forecast a temporary rise in water level in rivers and canals to danger levels, as well as crop and vegetable damage, rough sea conditions, and impact on mud houses.
The SDMA, in its advisory, cautioned the public about entering water-logged or flood-prone areas. It notified contact numbers and authorities to be contacted in case of any emergency.
The rainfall had slightly subsided in the afternoon and evening in some parts of Goa, but is expected to pick up momentum subsequently.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.Paul Fernandes, assistant editor (environment) at The Times of In...
Read MorePaul Fernandes, assistant editor (environment) at The Times of India, Goa, has more than two decades of experience behind him. He writes on social, environmental, heritage, archaeological and other issues. His hobbies are music, trekking, adventure and sports, especially football.
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