As continuous heavy rain lashes the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Wednesday, warning citizens about the potential for flooding and other impacts from the “extremely heavy rainfall.” The rain has been relentless, with the total rainfall for the season reaching 92.1 inches (2,341mm), surpassing the usual value of 71 inches (1,805.6mm) for this time of the monsoon.
The surplus rainfall for July has now reached 29.7%, surpassing the 28% deficit recorded in June. Some areas in the hinterlands have experienced rainfall above the century mark, with Valpoi reporting the highest total of 160.7mm, followed by Sanguem with 142.5mm, Sanquelim with 131.4mm, Quepem with 100.4mm, Old Goa with 99.6mm, and Mapusa with 64.2mm. Data for Margao was not available.
The intense rainfall has been triggered by a combination of weather systems, including an active monsoon trough, a well-marked low-pressure area over west central India and the adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, and a cyclonic circulation over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining east Rajasthan.
The IMD Panaji bulletin cautioned the public about potential impacts, such as waterlogging, flooding of roads, low-lying areas, and homes due to the heavy rainfall. It also predicted a temporary rise in water levels in rivers and canals, potential damage to crops and vegetables, rough sea conditions, and impact on mud houses.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) issued an advisory urging people to avoid waterlogged and flood-prone areas. They provided contact numbers and emergency authorities to be contacted if needed.
