Landslide on Goa-Karnataka route disrupts traffic; IMD issues 'orange' alert
A landslide occurred in Goa's ghat section during the early hours of July 18 due to relentless rainfall, severely disrupting vehicular traffic between Goa and neighboring Karnataka, according to police reports.
Weather Alerts and Heavy Rainfall
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'orange alert' for Goa, forecasting heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Both North and South Goa districts have experienced significant downpours in the past day, with Ponda taluka in South Goa receiving the highest at 190 mm of rainfall.
Location and Impact of the Landslide
The landslide took place near Dudhsagar Temple at Anmod Ghat, situated on Goa's southern boundary leading to Karnataka. This incident has obstructed traffic to areas such as Belgaum and Khanapur in Karnataka, a police official confirmed.
Efforts to Clear the Debris
"A large amount of mud has blocked the road near Shree Dudhsagar Temple in the ghat region. Fire and emergency services personnel were dispatched to clear the debris, but it remained uncleared by morning," the official reported.
Traffic Closure and Implications
The Anmod Ghat route is expected to stay closed until at least the afternoon, affecting the vital link between Goa and Karnataka, used for traveling to Belgaum, Khanapur, and Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Several vehicles were lined up in the ghat section post-incident, with police stopping vehicles at the Mollem check post to inform travelers about the landslide. This route is crucial for transporting essential items like milk and vegetables.
Continued Heavy Rainfall and Further Warnings
Goa continued to experience heavy rains on Thursday, as per the 'orange alert.' The IMD bulletin predicts heavy rainfall at scattered locations and very heavy showers in isolated areas, accompanied by strong surface winds over North and South Goa districts.
High Wave Warning
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS) has issued a high wave warning for North Goa's coast from Chapora to Panaji (Malim). "High waves ranging from 3.7 to 4.0 meters are forecast from 17:30 hours on July 16 to 23:30 hours on July 18. Small vessels should avoid plying, and nearshore recreation activities should be suspended due to potential erosion or wave surges," the warning stated.
Rainfall Data
In the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, South Goa received 121.4 mm of rainfall, while North Goa recorded 96.3 mm. Ponda taluka in South Goa recorded the highest rainfall at 190 mm, followed by Mormugao with 121.4 mm and Margao with 118.1 mm, according to IMD data.
