PANAJI
Goa witnessed a revival of the monsoon on Wednesday with heavy rains lashing the State and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to upgrade its warning from a Yellow to an Orange alert. The Panaji observatory recorded 61.2 mm of rainfall while Dabolim recorded 57.2 mm.
The incessant downpour led to waterlogging and disruption in parts of the State. At least 35 incidents of trees falling were reported on the roads, vehicles, houses and public infrastructure. The Fire & Emergency personnel responded to calls from across Goa to clear obstructions and restore normalcy.
The IMD has forecast continued heavy to very heavy rainfall in Goa till July 8. In its advisory, the department urged residents to avoid working in open areas and fields during thunderstorms and to refrain from taking shelter under tall trees or structures when lightning occurs.
People are also warned to stay away from electrical poles and weak structures during gusty winds. The IMD has further advised not to use electrical appliances during storms and to avoid areas known for frequent waterlogging while also urging them to check for traffic congestion before heading out.
On days of intense rainfall, the IMD has not ruled out the possibility of cloud-to-ground lightning, water pooling on roads and low-lying areas, rough sea conditions, traffic congestion and short-term waterlogging. The department also highlighted risks such as inundation of agricultural fields, falling of weak trees and structures, and temporary disruptions in water and electricity supply. The disaster response teams have been placed on alert.
Since the onset of monsoon, the State has recorded 860mm rainfall as against the normal 989.9 mm, so far.
