Heavy monsoon rains continued to batter Goa on Monday, triggering multiple rain-related incidents even as reservoirs across the state recorded a steady rise in water levels.
In a dramatic incident at Ranoi, Aldona, a family had a miraculous escape after a massive tree, uprooted by strong winds and heavy rain, crashed onto their house, blocking the only entrance and trapping the occupants inside.
Personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services (FES) rushed to the spot and rescued the family after cutting through the fallen tree. The incident also damaged parked vehicles and an electricity pole, with losses estimated at over ₹1 lakh. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
In another incident, a huge boulder rolled down a hillside and crashed into a house at Voddant, Vasco, damaging part of the structure. Fire and Emergency Services personnel responded promptly, and no casualties were reported.
Following the incident, ward councillor Nandadeep Raut alleged that repeated requests for the construction of a retaining wall had been ignored by the government for several years, claiming official inaction had put residents at risk.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Goa on June 30 and July 1, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds of 40–50 kmph. A Yellow Alert will remain in force from July 2 to July 6, with heavy rain and strong winds expected across both North and South Goa.
The persistent rainfall has also significantly improved water storage in the state's reservoirs. Selaulim Dam has reached 31.4% of its storage capacity, holding 7,359 hectare-metres (Ha.m) after receiving 580.25 mm of rainfall. Tillari Dam stands at 28.8% capacity with 13,301.6 Ha.m of storage after 505.60 mm of rainfall and is currently releasing 4.32 cumecs of water.
Other reservoirs have also shown healthy gains, with Amthane at 55.9%, Gaunem at 55.4%, Chapoli at 48%, and Panchwadi at 23.5% capacity. Despite recording the highest rainfall of 683.20 mm, Anjunem Dam remains the least-filled reservoir at 11% of its storage capacity.
