Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI:
The torrential rainfall in the state from Sunday to Tuesday has left a trail of destruction affecting the State and National Highways besides a brief halt in train operations.
The rains resulted in 11 landslides, primarily occurring along roadways. Although no casualties were reported in these incidents, two separate wall collapses at Kundaim and Azossim-Mandur claimed the lives of five individuals. The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) received 11 landslide-related emergency calls within a 48-hour period, from 7 am on Sunday to 7 am on Tuesday.
These incidents were documented in various locations including Mala-Panaji, Virdi in Sankhali, Malpe in Pernem, Mauxiwada-Curtorim, Priol in Ponda, Chicalim, Mahakhajan at Dhargalim, Bogda in Vasco, Loutolim, Aakar, Mardol, and Arrosim. Furthermore, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds led to the downfall of numerous trees. Additionally, over 130 people were rescued from flash floods at different sites. The fire directorate reported a total of 265 emergency calls received at various fire stations across the state. The cumulative loss from incidents related to rain, floods, fire, and accidents has been estimated at over Rs 22 lakh, while properties worth over Rs 56 lakh were saved by the authorities. Of the 265 distress calls, 211 were related to tree falls, and 25 were categorized as hydrological incidents, mainly involving water entering houses.
This included a flash flood at Pali waterfall in Sattari where 123 people were rescued. People were also assisted from vehicles stranded on flooded roads.
In Tivim, seven to eight houses were flooded due to a suspected clog at the sluice gate, causing inconvenience to residents. Heavy rains led to significant water entering these houses, with locals reporting that obstructions at the sluice gates resulted in waterlogging and knee-deep water around the houses.
Despite attempts to clear the gates, the issue persisted, and similar waterlogging occurred at Karaswada junction. Concerns were also raised regarding the quality of work on the newly constructed underpass, which was reportedly leaking from the flyover and pillar joints. Addressing the impacts of heavy rainfall in the Taluka, Deputy Collector Kabir Shirgaonkar of Bardez convened a disaster management meeting at the government complex on Tuesday.
The meeting aimed to coordinate efforts and prepare for potential calamities. Regarding the need for additional workers to assist fire personnel, Shirgaonkar stated, “I have already spoken to the Chief Officer of Mapusa municipality to provide laborers for assistance.” Concerning the waterlogging issue in Tivim, the Deputy Collector added, “Opening the sluice gate is not the solution. I have requested a report from the Water Resources Department and will work towards resolving the issue.”
