Margao: The directorate of fire and emergency services responded to 109 emergency calls across Goa on Tuesday as heavy rain and gusty winds triggered widespread incidents, director Nitin Raikar said.More than 100 of the calls were related to fallen trees and branches that blocked roads or damaged structures in different parts of the state. The remaining calls involved a few fire incidents and drowning-related emergencies.Among the busiest units was the Curchorem fire station, which attended 11 emergency calls within 12 hours. The incidents were reported from various locations in Quepem and Sanguem talukas, as well as Panchwadi in Ponda taluka.Raikar said the adverse weather conditions led to trees and branches being uprooted or snapped, necessitating rapid response by fire and emergency personnel.He added that recent technology upgrades have significantly improved response times. “Our fire vehicles are now geo-tagged and can be tracked in real time. We also receive the live locations of fire, rescue and accident sites, enabling quicker deployment of resources,” Raikar said.Fire and emergency services personnel remained on high alert on Wednesday as the southwest monsoon continued to lash the state, with authorities anticipating more weather-related emergencies.
