Panaji, Oct 11 (TOI): A higher than normal surge in sea level due to the dual impact of the very severe cyclonic storm Luban and high tide at noon, swamped most beach stretches along Goa’s coast on Wednesday, catching coastal communities and tourists by surprise. The high waves and unexpected surge of water caused some panic among tourism stakeholders and tourists. Some of the most popular beach spaces disappeared under water for a few hours.

Tourism stakeholders did not suffer any losses, but the flooding revived bitter memories of the damage they suffered during a similar episode in December 2017 due to Cyclone Ockhi, prompting some of them to dismantle their temporary structures.

The tourism season is just commencing in the state and a majority of traders have erected their structures. However, further activity is likely to be delayed as the impact of the cyclone may continue for a few days.

Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) had issued only a high wind alert. However, the waves rose much higher during high tide, even surging into the temporarily erected shacks at Baga and some other beaches.

In its bulletin for Goa, INCOIS had stated that gale wind speed would reach 120-130kmph, gusting to 145 kmph, with every likelihood of increasing gradually to 135-145kmph.

Lifeguards of Drishti Marine stopped swimming and watersport activities for safety reasons, as the high waves battered the beaches, especially in Candolim, Baga, Benaulim and other areas.

Palolem, Talpona and Galgibaga beaches in South Goa were relatively quieter, as the water level was normal here.

Some shackowners at North Goa’s Candolim beach have dismantled their shacks as the high tide around Wednesday midnight is expected to rise higher. The beach has a 150m expanse, but the entire span was lost to tourists as high waves engulfed it.

At South Goa’s Benaulim beach, a shackowner said the sea surge was worse than Ockhi in the area of his shack.

Tourism stakeholders, especially those operating watersport activities and offering food and other facilities on beaches, raised concern over the increasing incidence of sea surges and storms. “The frequency is increasing, it is affecting us,” John Lobo, a businessman said.