Team Herald

PANJIM: Incessant heavy rains across the State wreaked havoc and threw normal life out of gear on Wednesday. The Indian Metrological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert warning for the State till Thursday, while forecasting heavy rains till June 24.

In view of the forecast, people have been advised to abstain from outdoor activities as much as possible and fishermen have been asked not to venture into sea due to rough conditions for the next 24-hours. 

The heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds that commenced late Tuesday evening and continued on Wednesday, with IMD Goa Observatory recording over two inches of rainfall till 8.30am.  The total season rainfall from June 1 till date has been 26 inches. 

Flooding, landslides, mudslides, uprooting of trees were reported across State keeping the fire and emergency services officials on their toes. No flights took off from Dabolim International Airport since afternoon and as many as 16 flights were diverted from the airport due to bad weather conditions. 

“The Southwest monsoon has become active over Goa. Red alert has been issued to the State as extremely heavy rainfall is forecast at isolated places till Wednesday. We have issued heavy rainfall warning till June 24,” IMD Goa director ML Sahu said. 

Sahu said, “Winds will be westerly to south westerly with a speed of 40-45KMPH temporarily reaching 50KMPH in gust. Sea will be rough,” he said. 

As per the IMD records the entire State received heavy to heavy showers, with areas like Ponda, Canacona, Valpoi and Sanguem experiencing most amounts of rain. 

The Capital city witnessed around two inches of rainfall since Tuesday till Wednesday morning. Heavy to very heavy rains resulted into flooding across the city with low lying areas like Mala, Patto, DB Road, Miramar, submerged in water. A minor mudslide was reported at Bhatlem and near Church Square. 

With city roads full of potholes and with ongoing construction of the third bridge over River Mandovi, traffic jams was for the entire day. Traffic was halted for hours along the Mandovi Bridge, KTC Bus stand till Bambolim as a result of flooding at the bus stand. Traffic police had a difficult time manning the situation. 

When contacted, Fire and Emergency Services confirmed receiving 23 calls on Wednesday, which included tree felling and a minor landslide at Sada jetty. “No major loss is reported,” department said.