THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
The wall of one house collapsed onto a neighbouring house, causing heavy damage to both properties at Budruk Karmali in Savarde Panchayat area of Sattari on Thursday evening. No casualties were reported in the incident.
The incident occurred at around 6.50 pm near the Government Primary School. Continuous rainfall and prolonged moisture are believed to have weakened the structure, causing the wall to collapse suddenly onto the adjacent house.
The incident created panic in the locality, following which local residents immediately alerted the Valpoi Fire Station.
The wall of the house belonging to Keshav Harwalkar collapsed onto the house of Mahadev Paryekar. The collapse caused an estimated loss of Rs 2.5 lakh to Harwalkar's property and Rs 2 lakh to Paryekar's house.
Household articles including a television, cupboard, clothes, kitchen utensils, furniture and two rooms with the kitchen were extensively damaged.
On receiving information, a fire brigade from the Valpoi fire station rushed to the spot and immediately launched rescue operations. The team cleared the debris and secured the area by about 8.15 pm, preventing further damage. The fire personnel also ensured that the affected families remained safe while salvaging as many belongings as possible.
Following the incident, Panch Ujjwala Gaonkar visited the site and interacted with the affected families. She assured them that every effort would be made to secure immediate financial assistance from the government.
She further stated that Health Minister and local MLA Vishwajit Rane would be informed about the incident so that financial aid and assistance for repairing the damaged houses could be provided at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the Valpoi Fire Station has completed the preliminary damage assessment, and the report will be forwarded to authorities. Local residents have urged the revenue department to complete the official panchnama at the earliest so that compensation under the natural disaster relief scheme can be sanctioned without delay.
