Goa nears 2,000mm rainfall mark amid IMD’s red alert

Panaji: Barely a few days after crossing the 1,000mm mark, rain gauge stations across Goa are inching towards 2,000mm owing to the torrential downpour that the state has been experiencing since Sunday.
The deluge appears to be one of the wettest in recent memory, with the India meteorological department (IMD) sharing figures which indicate that on July 8, Panaji recorded the highest rainfall received in the month of July in as many as 70 years.
In North Goa, Valpoi has reported a seasonal total of 1,883.1mm of rainfall since June 1, while Sanguem in South Goa has recorded 1,777mm during the same period. The lowest seasonal total so far is that of Dabolim with 1,273.7mm of rainfall being recorded.
With the southwest monsoon being active over Goa, torrential downpours have drenched the state since July 7, leading to the IMD issuing a red alert for three consecutive days. Rain pounded the state on Tuesday, causing local flooding and disrupting normal activities. Pernem received 192mm of rainfall within 24 hours, while Mapusa recorded 115.2mm during the same period. Such intense rainfall has not only swelled local water bodies but also led to a noticeable drop in temperatures. On Tuesday, the maximum temperature recorded was 26.4C, with the minimum dipping to 23.4C.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Wednesday, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places across Goa. Specifically, heavy rainfall exceeding 64.4mm in 24 hours is anticipated, with some areas likely to experience more than 115.5mm. This pattern of intense rainfall is expected to persist until July 13, accompanied by strong surface winds gusting up to 50kmph.
The deluge has prompted local authorities to advise caution and preparedness among residents, particularly those in low-lying areas.