PANAJI
Having recorded the highest rainfall in July in the last 124 years, Goa experienced heavy to extremely heavy rainfall with strong winds on the first day of August.
The India Meteorology Department (IMD) Goa issued a Red Alert due to the severe weather conditions prompting several schools to shut early.
The Education Department issued directions to schools leaving early to ensure safe return of its students.
The State has already received a surplus seasonal rainfall of 55.1 percent.
On Thursday, Goa recorded 135 mm of rainfall leading to flooding in several low-lying areas, including Bicholim. The continuous rainfall resulted in water levels in the Mhadei, Valvanti, and Ragada rivers to rise, submerging several roads and minor bridges in Bicholim and Saquelim.
Residents were alerted and rescue teams, including district disaster management head Sneha Gitte, visited the affected areas to take stock of the situation. Traffic along several submerged roads was also diverted by Goa Police.
As of August 1, Goa’s total rainfall reached 3091.6 mm, surpassing the normal count of 1992.7 mm. Valpoi recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 3673.9 mm, followed by Sanguem with 3486.9 mm. Other regions such as Sanquelim, Ponda, Quepem, and Pernem also experienced significant rainfall, with totals of 3322.2 mm, 3081.4 mm, 3071 mm, and 3022.5 mm, respectively. Panaji received 2819.6 mm, while Dabolim recorded the lowest rainfall at 2273.6 mm.
Goa has been put on Orange alert for Friday and Saturday, as per the IMD Goa.
