PANJIM: Normal life was thrown out of gear in Goa as the south-west monsoon was vigorous over the coastal State in the last 24 hours. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded nearly five inches of rainfall in the State with more heavy rain predicted in the coming days.
IMD, while withdrawing the red alert warning, has asked fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours due to rough sea conditions.
Heavy to very heavy rains, accompanied by gusty winds, marked the onset of the monsoon in the State, which was on red alert from Thursday. Water logging was reported across several parts of the State capital on Saturday, as the civic authorities failed to clean the drains.
Commuters were put to hardship as a result of flooding which was reported along D B Marg, 18 June road, Miramar, Tonca, Mala and other parts. The various incomplete road-digging works that had commenced just before the monsoon can also be attributed as reasons for the water logging.
Personnel of the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services were on their toes with close to 50 calls of emergencies like falling of trees reported across the State.
Speaking to Herald, IMD Goa Director M L Sahu said that nearly five inches (136.7mm) of rainfall was recorded by the Observatory in the last 24 hours. “The red alert warning has been removed but heavy to very heavy showers are expected in the next 24 hours. Hence, fishermen are warned from venturing into sea,” he said.
Sahu said that the south-west monsoon has covered the entire State.
Firemen kept busy
in Mapusa
Mapusa: Heavy rain, thundering and lightning shattered parts of Bardez on Saturday. The Mapusa fire station teams were on their toes till late night on Saturday and received around 23 calls of trees uprooting of which 14 had been cleared by 6pm and the rest were being handled, said a source.
The calls were received from Siolim, Thivim, Anjuna, Canca, Colvale, Bastora and Parra. A tree also came crashing down on a car in Canca. However, the loss is yet to be estimated since clearing of calls was in progress till late night.
Sources also said that around three houses were damaged due to uprooting of trees. Fortunately no casualties were reported.
