Click it and Unblock the Notifications
A landslide disrupted traffic in Goa's ghat section early on Thursday, 18 July, following continuous heavy rains. The incident blocked the route from Goa to Karnataka, according to police reports.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange alert' for Goa, forecasting more heavy rains within the next 24 hours. Both North and South Goa districts experienced significant rainfall in the past day, with Ponda taluka in South Goa receiving the highest at 190 mm.
Impact on Traffic and Emergency Response
The landslide occurred near Dudhsagar Temple at Anmod Ghat, situated on Goa's southern boundary leading to Karnataka. This event disrupted traffic to areas like Belgaum and Khanapur in Karnataka. "A huge pile of mud was seen on the road near Shree Dudhsagar Temple in the ghat region. Personnel of the fire and emergency services rushed to the spot to clear it, but it could not be removed till morning," a police official stated.
Traffic through Anmod Ghat will remain closed until at least the afternoon. This route is crucial for travel between Goa and Karnataka, as well as Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Several vehicles were lined up in the ghat section after the incident, sources said.
Weather Warnings and Rainfall Data
The IMD bulletin indicated that heavy rains are expected at scattered places with very heavy showers at isolated locations along with strong surface winds over North and South Goa districts. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS) has also issued a high wave warning for North Goa's coast from Chapora to Panaji (Malim).
"High waves in the range of 3.7-4.0 meters are forecast from 17:30 hours on 16-07-2024 to 23:30 hours on 18-07-2024. It is advised that small vessels should not ply and nearshore recreation activities be totally suspended as erosion/wave surges are possible," it said.
Police Measures and Public Safety
Police were stopping vehicles at Mollem check post to inform travellers about the landslide. Many vehicles carrying essential items like milk and vegetables use this route regularly.
In a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Thursday, South Goa received 121.4 mm of rainfall while North Goa recorded 96.3 mm of rain. Ponda taluka had the highest rainfall at 190 mm, followed by Mormugao with 121.4 mm and Margao with 118.1 mm during this period.
Goa continued to experience heavy rains on Thursday amid the 'orange' alert issued by IMD.
This report includes content from a syndicated feed edited for style.
