A banana plantation that was destroyed due to strong winds in Khotoda.
VALPOI
Several houses and power infrastructure were damaged, while trees were uprooted after strong winds struck Khotoda in Sattari taluka late Wednesday night.
According to information, the area witnessed lightning, followed by light rainfall Wednesday evening. However, strong winds later caused widespread damage in many villages, including Khotwada, Gawane, Malpan, Rangoli, Asoda, Shirsode and Dharage in Khotoda panchayat.
Many banana plantations were completely destroyed, leading to significant economic losses. It is estimated that more than 20 farmers have been affected. Coconut trees and cashew plantations also suffered severe losses.
In Suranguli, a tree fell on the house of Laxmi Gaonkar. The falling tree damaged the roof and household items, creating panic in the area. She expressed relief that neighbours came forward to help.
Similarly, Nilkanth Gaonkar’s house in the same village was damaged by a fallen tree, damaging the roof and household belongings.
A jackfruit tree also fell on electric lines in the area, snapping wires and disrupting power supply. Several electricity poles were damaged, worsening the situation. Electricity department officials stated that repair work is underway and supply will be restored soon.
In Dharage, a mango tree fell on the house of Eknath Gaonkar. A large portion of the roof collapsed, damaging household belongings. The house is located near a government primary school, which fortunately remained unharmed.
In multiple locations, trees fell on electricity lines, damaging power infrastructure and disrupting electricity supply across several villages.
The Valpoi fire station rushed teams to the affected locations on receiving information and worked throughout the night to remove fallen trees from houses, saving significant property and providing relief to residents.
Valpoi Fire Officer Santosh Gawas stated that several incidents of trees falling on houses were reported due to the strong winds.
Local residents have demanded that the government immediately conduct a survey of the affected areas and provide compensation to the victims.
Panchayat Sarpanch Pratima Vandekar visited the affected areas and inspected the damage. She stated that she has contacted the local MLA and assured that financial assistance would be arranged for the affected families. She also urged the government to take urgent note of the situation. Local panch members also visited and assessed the damage.
Gopal Gaonkar stated that farmers have suffered heavy losses due to the strong winds. While houses have been damaged, the loss of agricultural produce has caused a serious financial setback to many farmers.
He appealed to the Agriculture Department to conduct a prompt survey, and provide relief to the affected farmers.
