Heavy rain has been predicted for Goa over the next two days and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Flood-like situation prevails after water from the Tillari dam was released.
Panaji: Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said the state government is on "high alert" in view of the forecast of heavy rainfall in the next few days, and people have been advised not to venture into the sea.
Heavy rain lashed several parts of Goa, including the state capital Panaji, on Thursday morning.
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The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) office on Wednesday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal state for the next couple of days.
"Heavy rains are likely to continue for another two to three days, so we appeal to people to avoid venturing into the sea. A high alert has been sounded along the coast and people, including tourists and fishermen, have been asked to stay away from the waters," Sawant told reporters.
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He said several villages in Bardez, Pernem and Bicholim talukas of North Goa district were flooded after water was released from Tillari dam following heavy showers in its catchment areas.
The dam is located in North Goa along the state's border with Maharashtra.
"Sal village in Bicholim taluka was the worst affected as several houses were inundated there. The villagers have been shifted to safer places by the disaster management department team," Sawant said.
The water resources department's chief engineer was in touch with officials guarding the Tillari dam to get all necessary information about the release of water from it, he added.
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The Goa government had announced a holiday for schools and colleges on Wednesday (August 7) on account of heavy rains and floods. After meeting chief minister Pramod Sawant, director of education Nagraj Honnekeri told reporters that schools and colleges will have a one-day holiday.
The government had just a few days back, evacuated people from areas such as Pilgao, Sankhalim and Usgao in North Goa. Sonal village in Sattari tehsil had also been cut off for more than 24 hours due to floods, a government official said.
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