Goa is grappling with severe flooding as heavy rains continue to batter the state, inundating roads, damaging homes, and leading to the closure of schools across several areas. Rising water levels in key rivers have worsened the situation, causing widespread disruption. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has advised residents to avoid flood and landslide-prone areas for safety.
A Red Alert remains in effect across Goa as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall with strong surface winds gusting up to 50 km/h. The relentless downpour has led to severe flooding in several areas, including Nanora, Sal, Sakhali, Karapur, Pilgao, Virdi, and other parts of Bicholim taluka. In response, many schools have been closed, and firefighters rescued a woman in Karapur. Roads, including the submerged Nanora road and the Sal footbridge, are inundated, with disaster management teams actively inspecting the damages.
Water levels in the Mhadei, Valvanti, and Ragada rivers have risen significantly due to the ongoing rains, causing several roads and minor bridges in Bicholim and Sanquelim to go underwater. Residents remain on high alert as the threat of flooding persists.
The newly inaugurated Mopa Link Road has also been submerged. The road from Assonora towards Dodamarg near Maka Beer Factory is under water, prompting traffic diversions via Mulgao-Bicholim-Maulinguem and Kasarpal-Maulinguem routes. Massordem village in Valpoi is partially cut off due to rising water levels, and vehicular movement on Velus Bridge has been halted. Villages in Sal and Ibrampur are also experiencing elevated water levels, raising concerns of a repeat of the 2019 floods.
In Margao, a house in Old Market collapsed amidst the heavy rains, although the occupants escaped unharmed. Similarly, residents in Ambelim narrowly avoided disaster when their home collapsed last night. A Kadamba bus got stranded in floodwater at Nanoda, leaving many students unable to reach their schools for exams. The Education Department has instructed schools to ensure children are safely sent home, with Education Director Shailesh Zingde emphasizing that “the safety of children is of prime importance.”
The state has been experiencing vigorous monsoon activity, with all rain gauge stations recording over 100mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.
