IMD issues red alert for Goa, predicts intense rainfall

PANAJI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has upgraded its weather warning for Goa to a red alert on May 21, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected at a few places across the state. The IMD's latest update includes a nowcast warning, stating that Panaji and all other talukas in Goa are likely to experience moderate to intense rainfall over the next 4 to 6 hours. The department has also advised authorities to regulate traffic efficiently in light of the severe weather conditions and urged residents in vulnerable areas to take necessary precautions. As of 2pm, the state fire and emergency services have recorded 25 calls for tree falls across Goa due to the meteorological conditions. Additionally, the IMD has issued a flash flood warning for North Goa."Moderate flash flood risk likely over few watersheds and neighbourhoods during next 24 hours. Surface runoff/Inundation may occur at some fully saturated soils and low-lying areas over Area of Concern (AoC) as shown in map due to expected rainfall occurrence in next 24 hours," the warning reads.