PANJIM/MARGAO, May 20 -- Team Herald

Unseasonal pre-monsoon showers caught Goa by surprise on Tuesday, throwing normal life out of gear and laying bare the glaring gaps in the State government's claims of being monsoon-ready. The first major spell of rain brought with it widespread flooding, traffic disruptions and civic chaos - a sobering preview of what lies ahead as the actual monsoon season approaches.

Far from providing relief from the sweltering summer heat, the rains plunged several parts of the State into disarray, underscoring just how unprepared the administration is for even moderate rainfall.

In the capital city of Panjim, key areas such as Patto, Adil Shah Palace and Campal were flooded, with water stagnation causing major...