PANJIM/PONDA: Heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning lashed the State on Sunday evening providing the much-needed relief to Goans from scorching heat.
According to the IMD, Altinho, Panjim, maximum rainfall of 1.57 inches was recorded in Valpoi followed by Mapusa 0.57 inches, Pernem 0.29 mm and Old Goa 0.25 mm.
Meanwhile, a power transformer exploded at Curti power sub-station following a lightning strike.
Several people heard huge sound of the blast and went inside their homes.
According to sources, one of the transformers caught fire and exploded. The explosion caused power outages to Ponda and surrounding areas for an hour. This power station supplies power to around 60 percent of Goa.
In Porvorim, three trees uprooting incidents were reported at different locations.
Porvorim Station Fire Officer (SFO) D G Pednekar said that in the first incident, a tree fell near Sanjay School For Special Education Centre, while in the second incident, a tree crashed on parked two-wheelers near Mall De Goa and in the third incident, a tree fell on a compound wall near Apex shop.
However, Panjim SFO Shailesh Gaude said the fire station did not receive any call from anywhere in its jurisdiction.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) extended its yellow alert for Goa till May 21, 2024, predicting thunderstorms accompanied with lightning at isolated places over North Goa and South Goa districts of the State.
“Thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and winds gusting to 30-40 kmph very likely at isolated places over North Goa and South Goa districts of the State on May 20 and 21, 2024,” the IMD said.
