PANAJI
Goa was again pounded by heavy rain almost incessantly and accompanied with high-speed winds in several spells throughout Sunday causing trees to collapse and leaving several houses damaged across the State.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) early on Sunday morning raised the weather warning for Goa from orange to ‘red alert’ and has extended it to the whole of Monday, forecasting heavy rainfall with strong surface winds over the entire State.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he is constantly monitoring the situation with both the district collectors even as he advised Goans to avoid venturing outdoors, unless it is absolutely necessary.
“So far the situation is under control. However, Goans should not go outdoors unnecessarily. Avoid going out of your home, unless it is very essential,” Sawant said.
In North Goa, villagers in Ibrampur, Dodamarg and Sal have been warned to exercise caution as the exercise of opening the gates of a full-to-the-brim Anjunem dam is imminent to release the excess water.
In the capital Panaji, the city’s main thoroughfare “ 18th June Road “ was waterlogged for most part of the afternoon and evening.
Reports coming in from the rest of Goa too said a flood-like situation prevailed in several parts across the State bringing movement of vehicles and people alike to a complete halt in those areas.
Meanwhile, trains on the Konkan Railway route came to a grinding halt again following a landslide in the Ratnagiri region between Diwankhawti and Khed.
The Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) however claimed that movement of trains was expected to be restored by Sunday midnight.
“A Soil slip has taken place at Km 79/4-6 between Diwankhavati - Vinhere section of Ratnagiri Region of Konkan Railway at 16:48 Hrs. Restoration works are in progress,” a KRC release said.
Schools, HSSs to remain shut today
PANAJI: The Directorate of Education (DoE) in a late night decision mandated all schools and Higher Secondary Schools to stay shut on Monday, paying heed to the ‘Red Alert’ warning issued by the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD).
Earlier in the day on Sunday, the DoE had left it to the discretion of individual Educational Institutions to take the call of shutting or staying open on Monday depending on the local conditions in their areas.
However later in the night, Director of Education, Shailesh Zingde, said the government decided to declare a holiday for all schools and HSSs with the heavy rain persisting.
