Rain speeds up end to Goa tourist season

The rain clouds burst unexpectedly and the coastline immediately wore a deserted look, a feeling of quaint loneliness as rough waves landed on soft sands. As raindrops keep falling, the realisation that another season is over sinks in hard among stakeholders and holidayers.

The sudden spell of heavy rains took the locals and the few tourists still coming to discover the best of Goa, by surprise and life at many places was paralysed with the infrastructure found wanting.

In areas along the coast, where development appears unplanned, rainwater overflowed on roads, seeping into houses and shops, while in certain areas walls collapsed.

“It is the duty of the Calangute Panchayat to periodically clean up drains. They have not done so for two years and hence my wall has collapsed,” moaned Antonio De Souza, dejectedly pointing to the disaster as the rain kept pouring through the day.

With the rains refusing to subside, and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Goa forecasting rains for another day, the day ahead looks gloomy for visitors expecting sunny beaches.

“We had come to explore a few beaches in Goa but have to take it easy now due to these unexpected rains. We have to stay in our room and play cards, hoping for the rains to stop,” said Salman as he and his family trudged back from the bus stand.

The rains led most fishermen to push their boats towards the sand dunes and wrap up their fishing season a few days before the May 31 deadline, after which fishing takes a break for the monsoon.

“I thought it best to call it a day as the weather does not look too good and if it gets better, the fish catch will not be profitable. And with this rain, it  is less tiring to push the boat towards dry land,” said Cajetan as he guided his labourers in the task.

A few of the shack owners who were holding on till the end of the month, were forced to change their minds with the rains soaking up their shacks. Yet, some did decide to hang on.

“This shower will pass on. Our bar is open and guests can avail some basic snacks. I expect guests staying in the hotels to walk in as the rains subside,” said Vilas who manages a shack in North Goa.

Most beaches along the coast wore a deserted look though at certain places locals in raincoats could be seen coming to experience the wild elements of the sea during the rains.

“The sea always looks beautiful during the rains. I get the feeling of a wild bull falling at the feet of time. To me, the sea looks best when it is rough,” admits Siena, as she walks her daughter along the coastline.

Though most shacks were shut or appeared to be shut, restaurants along the coast were open though bereft of people.

“We are open throughout the year as this is the time when locals come out. We may not have many customers today because this is a one-off occasion. I have seen worse days,” shrugs Xavier who runs a restaurant along the Southern coast.

If Tuesday was bad, Wednesday may not be any better. Yet, for those wanting to see a Goa caught by unexpected showers, this is the time.