VRISHANK MAHATME

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Morning of June 26 will be remembered by the city residents, especially those living in the Rua de Ourem, because the high tide water level reached 2.33 metres higher than the average sea level.

The water level reached so high that it flooded different parts of the road with some stretches having ankle deep water.

Residents in the area said that this overflowing of the water had also occurred last year, but this time the water level was higher.

It was revealed that all the rain water which gets collected in the city flows through the underground drainage system into the river but as the water level increased to 2.33 metres the water pushed back into the city causing temporary water logging.

It may be recalled that a similar incident also took place at Chorao ferry point causing inconvenience to commuters

Many parts at Rua de Ourem witnessed water logging, especially near the Mary Immaculate High School and few others in close locality of the school. However, normal life was not disrupted.

“That moment I saw water level rising in the afternoon I was scared because I had never seen such a sight before, in the absence of rains,” said Rosy da Silva.

Another local resident, Aaron Teles had this to say “Today’s high tide in the afternoon reminds me of Tsunami. The road near the creek was flooded and it is very rare.”

However, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in Goa State on June 27 while heavy to very heavy rainfall is also very likely to occur at isolated places over Goa from June 28 to 30.

"This happened last year too and if there are heavy rains the water will rise and flood the entire area. This is an extremely dangerous situation," said Leena Rita D'Souza.

"I guess if the level was more, the water would have entered the shops. If it rains more I am sure it will lead to flooding," said Prasad Kandolkar.

Further residents also fear that heavy rains can worsen the situation further by causing extreme floods. Residents also claim that when a high tide this strong hits an area, the flow of the creek is blocked and this results in stagnation of water which further causes a flood-like situation.

Likewise a similar situation was also observed at Chorao Ferry point, wherein the water level rose so high that commuters found it difficult to board the ferry boat and Chorao being an island has more chances of getting flooded as it is entirely surrounded by water bodies.

Meanwhile, speaking to Herald, Captain James Braganza clarified, “This can be a possibility of spring tide as the high tide increased considerably and low tide went down but this is an unusual factor or because of the rains the water level can increase. The other factor is Tsunami but that factor is eliminated.”