The first major spell of monsoon rain accompanied by cyclonic winds wreaked havoc across Sattari Taluka on Tuesday evening, causing widespread damage and disruption.Two firefighters sustained injuries while cutting branches of a fallen tree at Brahma Karmali.Within just half an hour of intense rainfall and strong winds, more than 20 incidents of uprooted trees were reported from different parts of the taluka. Trees and electric poles fell on houses, shops and roads, resulting in property losses worth several lakhs of rupees and creating panic among residents.Although rainfall had begun in Sattari since Sunday, heavy rain and strong winds lashed the region on Tuesday evening, uprooting several large trees, damaged electric infrastructure and blocked key roads.Power supply was disrupted in many areas after electric lines snapped and poles collapsed. Electricity department personnel rushed to restore services, and power was gradually reinstated in most affected areas by late evening.
VALPOI
A huge Gulmohar tree crashed onto the tailoring shop of Pradeep Gavandalkar near the Sattari Taluka Farmers’ Society in Valpoi. At the time of the incident, two tailors were working inside the shop. Fortunately, both escaped unhurt, narrowly avoiding what could have been a serious tragedy.Fire and emergency services, police personnel, revenue officials and electricity department staff immediately rushed to the spot. The operation to remove the fallen tree continued for nearly three hours with the help of a crane, JCB machinery and mechanical cutters. Traffic on the main road remained disrupted during the rescue operation.Deputy Collector Laxmikant Parsekar, Mamlatdar Dhiren Banavalikar, police officials and officers from various departments monitored the situation on-site and coordinated relief efforts.At Dhamshe, the house of Shantavati Shantaram Morlekar suffered extensive damage after mango and other trees fell on the structure. Parts of the roof were damaged and household belongings were affected.Similar incidents were reported from Khadki and Nanus, where trees fell on residential houses. Several families also reported water entering their homes, damaging furniture, electrical appliances, food grains and other household items.The strong winds also affected Valpoi’s weekly market, where tarpaulin sheets covering several stalls were blown away. Vendors suffered losses as vegetables, fruits and other goods were damaged. Some traders have appealed to the administration for compensation and assistance.
REDIGHAT ROAD
A large tree collapsed near a petrol pump on the Redighat–Valpoi road, completely blocking traffic for some time. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the road before firefighters cleared the obstruction and restored traffic movement.
Another incident was reported on the Keri–Anjunem Dam road, where a tree and an electricity pole fell across the roadway, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. Residents of nearby villages were forced to use alternative routes.
BRAHMA KARMALI
An old peepal tree collapsed onto the residence of former Nagargao Panchayat Sarpanch, Smt. Sumitra Yatindra Nadkarni at Brahma Karmali in Sattari.The huge tree caused extensive structural damage to the house, while rainwater entered the premises and damaged furniture, important documents, electrical appliances and other valuables. Personnel from the Valpoi Fire Station, assisted by local residents, worked from evening until late at night to remove the fallen tree.Firefighter Saish Sawant and another fire service personnel sustained injuries while cutting branches of the fallen tree at Brahma Karmali.Sawant was given first aid at the Valpoi Health Centre before being shifted to Goa Medical College (GMC) for further treatment. Officials confirmed that his condition is stable.
HONDA
A tree fell on a road and partially damaged a garage near Ganapati Temple in Narayan Nagar, Honda. Firefighters responded promptly and removed the obstruction.
ADVISORY ISSUED
With the Meteorological Department forecasting further heavy rainfall and strong winds over the coming days, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant.Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, refrain from parking vehicles under large trees, maintain a safe distance from fallen electric lines and immediately report emergencies to authorities concerned.
