PANAJI
In an unprecedented spell of rainfall that prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a Red Alert for three consecutive days from July 7-9, Goa recorded 26 per cent surplus rainfall within just one and half months of seasonal monsoon. Although the intensity of the heavy rains reduced on Tuesday, the State continued to witness incessant rainfall.
Among numerous rain-related incidents, five deaths due to the collapse of a house wall and retaining walls were also reported during this period.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured that he is closely monitoring the situation with District Disaster Management teams and sought reports from deputy collectors about the incidents in their respective jurisdictions. “Relief funds will be released wherever required,” he said.
Emergency responders received nearly 300 calls, averaging 100 per day over the last three days. Maximum calls were received at the Fire Control Room followed by the District Collectorates.
According to data available with The Goan, the fire department attended to 217 tree felling cases over the three days besides other fire and emergency cases. On July 7 alone, the department responded to approximately 113 cases of trees falling, which decreased to 88 on the following day and around 10 on the third day of the Red Alert.
The fire department reported a total of around 428 tree fall cases in this month so far due to the heavy rains.
The IMD has issued Orange Alert for Goa on Wednesday forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall. Valpoi has received the highest 1883.1 mm seasonal rainfall till July 9 followed by 1777 mm in Sanguem. Mormugao and Dabolim reported the least 1349 mm and 1273.7 mm respectively.
