Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji
Panaji, Aug 28: Goa on Wednesday crossed the symbolic 100-inch rainfall milestone after heavy downpours lashed the state, coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The spell of rains came after a five-day lull, disrupting life in several parts of the state with reports of waterlogging and traffic snarls.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Goa recorded 75.9 mm rainfall within 24 hours ending 8.30 am on Wednesday, making it the fifth-highest single-day rainfall of the month. Earlier this month, the state witnessed intense spells on August 14 (67.8 mm), August 18 (105 mm), August 19 (77.4 mm), and August 20 (63.5 mm).
The monsoon, which set in early on May 25, reached the 100-inch mark in 95 days this year — much slower compared to 2024, when the milestone was achieved in just 51 days by July 22.
The IMD attributed the fresh surge to a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, likely to move west-northwestwards across Odisha in the next 24 hours.
While the rains have boosted water tables and reservoirs, authorities have cautioned against localised flooding, crop damage, and traffic disruptions. Commuters in Panaji and Margao reported waterlogging in several areas, though festival activities continued amid intermittent showers.
Goa remained under an orange alert on Wednesday, with the IMD forecasting light to moderate rain at most places and isolated heavy showers over the next 48 hours. Winds are expected to gust between 30–50 kmph in pockets.
From June 1 to August 27, Goa has received 2,609.2 mm rainfall, almost equaling the seasonal normal of 2,613.9 mm, placing the state at a marginal deficit of 0.2 per cent. District-wise, North Goa recorded 2,553.3 mm (4.7 pc below normal), while South Goa logged 2,658.5 mm (4 pc surplus).
On Wednesday, Quepem emerged as the wettest taluk with 130 mm rainfall, followed by Canacona (102.2 mm), Sankhali (99.4 mm), Dharbandora (98.2 mm), Old Goa (83 mm), Ponda (85 mm), and Pernem (79 mm). Panaji and Mormugao, however, recorded lighter showers of 39.6 mm and 29.2 mm respectively.