The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) keeps issuing weather warnings from time to time during the monsoons using different colour codes such as Red, Orange, and Yellow to indicate the severity of rainfall. A red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall, orange indicates heavy rainfall, and yellow indicates mild to heavy rainfall. But how many of us understand the significance and gravity of these warnings, as life goes on as usual with total disregard?
Tourists venture out to different waterfalls only during heavy rains to experience the thrill and beauty of nature, risking their lives despite government warnings. Consequently, several lives have been lost due to drownings at these spots. Only recently, 12 buffaloes in Bicholim were washed away in heavy downpour while grazing in the fields. If the owner had been aware of the warning signals, things might have been different.
Goa has been receiving several of these alerts for the past fortnight, which have had little or no effect on daily routines. This is possibly due to earlier forecasts proving to be just the opposite ” a sunny day on a forewarned rainy day. Nevertheless, it is the duty of the IMD to continue issuing these weather alerts to safeguard lives and prepare people for any eventualities.
