Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jun 16: Relentless rain lashed Goa on Sunday evening, bringing normal life to a standstill across the State. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) centre at Altinho issued an “orange alert” valid through Tuesday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds ranging from 40–50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h.
The downpour led to widespread disruption, with reports of fallen trees and waterlogging causing major obstacles to traffic flow. The most significant incident was reported from Bhoma, where a large mango tree was uprooted and fell across the highway, severely disrupting vehicular movement during the evening rush hour.
Tragedy struck in Tivim, where a group of friends on a picnic at a mining quarry faced disaster. Akash Naik, a young police constable from Porvorim, drowned in the water-filled quarry, adding a somber note to the weather chaos.
Sanguem bore the brunt of the rainfall, recording the highest overnight precipitation at 146.7 mm. Nearby Dharbandora followed closely with 124.8 mm. Other significant readings included:
• Old Goa: 114.8 mm
• Panaji: 107.9 mm
• Ponda: 105.8 mm
• Mormugao: 102.8 mm
• Quepem: 100 mm
• Margao: 90 mm
• Sanquelim: 83.8 mm
• Pernem: 59.4 mm
• Mapusa: 36.3 mm
The Met Department has advised the public to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the alert period. Fishermen and coastal residents have also been warned of high winds and rough sea conditions.
From June 18, a slight reprieve is expected as the intensity of rainfall is forecast to ease. A yellow alert has been issued from June 18 to June 21, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall at isolated locations during this period.