the goan I network
MAPUSA/PERNEM/MARGAO
Rekindling the fears of December last year when Goa witnessed unusual high tides along the coastal belt, the Pernem, Candolim-Calangute and Salcete coastline on Sunday evening witnessed a similar situation when water gushed into shacks and cottages due to sudden rise in sea level.
Panic gripped shack owners in several areas as sea water came very close and even entered the shacks at some places.
The water level started rising at the high tide at around 3.30 pm in the evening.
In Candolim water entered some shacks but luckily no damage was caused. In many areas beach beds remain submerged for more than an hour, as sea water made its way high up on the beach. There were also similar reports from Calangute. “At the moment things are ok but we are a little scared that water may rise up again later in the night,” said Manuel Cardozo, a shack owner in Calangute at around 6 pm.
In Pernem, the coastline was flooded after water gushed into shacks with tourists and locals moving away to safer places.
Some shacks reported of water entering the kitchens and utensils being washed away with the high tide. Owners were seen shifting furniture and electronic items from getting damaged due to sea water.
Speaking to The Goan, Amar Talkar a shack owner from Keri informed that there was sudden rise in sea level at 3.30 pm and water gushed inside the shack. “Six shacks along the belt were affected. Tourists having their meals panicked and moved away. Some guests also rushed out without even paying the bill,” he said.
Shack workers and owners were busy till late evening to bring back the furniture that was dragged by the tide.
Mandrem deputy Sarpanch and shack owner Dennis Britto said shack owners were surprised due to the sudden rise of the sea. “The water came up till the beach beds were kept and eventually dragged them along,” he said.
In Salcete, sea water rose to unexpected level as huge waves battered the coast due to rough sea conditions.
