The Southwest monsoon intensified over Goa following the development of a well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central and adjoining north-west Bay of Bengal, bringing the State its second-highest daily rainfall of the season.
Goa recorded an average of 4.17 inches of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Monday, with heavy to very heavy showers battering most parts of the State through Sunday.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Sanquelim topped the charts with 5.21 inches of rainfall, closely followed by Dharbandora (5.18 inches), Margao (5.16 inches) and Sanguem (4.69 inches). Ela (Old Goa) reported 4.5 inches, Valpoi and Mapusa 4 inches each, Pernem 3.8 inches, Canacona 3.83 inches, Quepem 3.7 inches, Mormugao 3.4 inches, Dabolim 3.2 inches and Panjim 3.08 inches.
The IMD has sounded a yellow alert for the next four days, forecasting more heavy showers across both districts. “Heavy rainfall is very likely at a few places over North and South Goa districts with winds of 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph from August 19 to 22,” the department stated.
From 8.30 am to 5.30 pm on Monday, Panjim received 0.2 inches and Mopa Airport 0.3 inches of rain.
Meanwhile, traffic along the Valpoi-Ponda Road at Savarshe was disrupted after a massive mango tree came crashing down, blocking movement. Valpoi fire fighters rushed to the spot and swiftly cleared the obstruction.