Normal life across Goa was thrown out of gear on Saturday as heavy rains, accompanied by gusty winds, disrupted power supply in several areas due to the uprooting of trees and branches falling on overhead electricity wires and poles.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for South Goa, warning of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. North Goa also experienced very heavy rainfall at isolated places and heavy rainfall in a few areas throughout the day.
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The intense spell is expected to continue, with the IMD issuing an orange alert for June 15 and 16, forecasting heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places across the State. This will be followed by a yellow alert from June 17 to 20, predicting heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Later in the evening, the IMD released a weather warning stating that light to moderate rain, along with strong surface winds of 40–50 kmph, is likely to continue across North and South Goa over the next 3–4 hours.
The department also cautioned of possible thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, with winds blowing at 50–60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph in some isolated areas.
Earlier, in its daily forecast bulletin, the IMD confirmed that the Southwest Monsoon remains active over the State. Residents and tourists are advised to prepare for very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds in the coming days.
Rainfall figures recorded include 145.8 mm in Pernem (very heavy rainfall), 89.2 mm in Mapusa, and 67.8 mm in Panjim (both classified as heavy rainfall).
Meanwhile, fire department personnel were kept busy responding to numerous calls, mostly regarding fallen trees. At Bicholim, the Fire and Emergency Services, representing the Disaster Management Authority, conducted a public demonstration on emergency preparedness and safety measures during disasters.
