PANJIM: Pre-monsoon showers lashed the State on Monday, with major towns witnessing water logging and traffic jams. The Indian Meteorological (IMD) Goa Observatory has forecast showers and thunderstorms over the next few days.
The southwest monsoon, however, is yet to advance over Goa, due to the low south westerly wind. “The monsoon is stuck in Karwar and there is no further advancement. We expect the monsoon to reach Goa in two days,” IMD State director VK Mini said. “We have issued a fresh fishermen’s warning and have also asked the ports to be alert,” she said.
For the last 24 hours, the State has received 47mm of rainfall, taking the season total to 301.6mm. “More showers are expected in the next few days,” Mini added.
Monday’s rainfall led to a major water-logging in Panjim. Normal life was disrupted as vehicles had to traverse waterlogged streets, which caused massive problems. Water logging was reported in almost every part of the city including the busy St Inez junction, 18th June road, Miramar-Dona Paula road (which is under repairs), Mala, Bhatlem, Caranzalem, etc.
“Flooding has been taking place in the city because in many placed PWD’s water department has laid water pipes across the drains, blocking water flow,” Panjim Mayor Surendra Furtado said.
Several parts of Panjim saw power shutdowns due to fluctuations and power line cuts due to heavy winds. Trees were also uprooted at many places, keeping the Fire and Emergency Services officials on their toes.
