Team Herald
PANJIM: Heavy to very heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds lashed Goa on Tuesday with southwest monsoon becoming active over the coast. State witnessed 44 mm of rainfall in last 24 hours, with more showers expected in next five days.
Panjim witnessed heavy showers surfacing major water logging problem. Normal life in capital was disrupted as vehicles had to traverse waterlogged roads, which caused massive problems in traffic movement. A major tree got uprooted at Altinho, leaving one person injured. The fire department personnel were on their toes for the entire day flooded with complaints.
The busiest 18 June road, St Inez junction, Mala, Miramar-Dona Paula stretch and Bhatlem areas were the most affected with major flooding being reported in these areas. On 18 June road, BJP corporators were seen guiding commuters on safe travel.
“The water logging is reported on the 18 June road and adjourning areas due to the water pipeline fitted into the drains by the Public Works department, blocking flow of water,” Mayor Surendra Furtado said adding the construction work at Miramar-Dona Paula road had led to flooding in those areas.
While Mala and Bhatlem being low lying areas, flooding is major issue here.
After initial delay of almost ten days, the southwest monsoon advanced over Goa on June 19 on a weaker note. “However, the monsoon currents are now active over the State. Heavy showers are expected in next few days,” Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Observatory Goa director V K Mini said.
In the last 24 hours, the State received 44 mm of rainfall, taking seasonal total to 562.1mm (21 inches), which is much below normal. Canacona taluka received the highest rainfall of 11cms followed by Mormugao 10 cms. Margao and Dabolim received 7cms each, while Panjim recorded 4 cms of rainfall.
