Flight operations at Goa airport have been suspended since 1.30 pm on Wednesday after heavy rainfall hit the coastal state, reported ANI. Sixteen flights have been diverted so far due to bad weather and poor visibility.

The heavy downpour started on Tuesday night. Many streets in the capital Panaji were flooded by Wednesday morning and houses in low-lying were inundated. In Mapusa and Margao towns, market areas were flooded. Waterlogging also affected the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The meteorological department issued a warning of heavy rainfall for the next two days, and asked people to stay indoors. “In view of the intense rainfall forecast, people are advised to abstain from outdoor activities as much as possible during the period of the rain,” the regional weather department said, according to PTI. “The maximum intensity of rainfall is expected from today to June 22. Extremely heavy rainfall is very likely over isolated places of North and South Goa districts today and tomorrow.”

The weather department also warned fisher folk not to venture out to sea. “Winds will be westerly to south westerly at a speed of 40 to 45 km per hour temporarily reaching to 50 km per hour in a gust or squall,” it added.