MAPUSA
A low-pressure depression has triggered relentless showers across the State on Thursday, leading to widespread damage to property, flooding in residential areas and disruption of traffic due to fallen trees in Bardez.
In one of the more serious incidents, a portion of a tiled roof collapsed on a family home in Umtavaddo, Calangute around 1 pm.
Fortunately, the three occupants “ a husband, wife and their son “ escaped unhurt. Locals, along with Calangute panchayat member Alex Coutinho, were quick to respond.
"We immediately came to the family's aid and have informed both the local panchayat and district authorities. We’ve written to the government requesting financial assistance for the affected family," Coutinho said.
In Mapusa, the problems persisted as reports emerged of collapsing compound walls and uncollected garbage, causing significant distress among local residents.
Elsewhere in Bardez, flooding was reported in several residential compounds, especially in Mazzal-vaddo, Anjuna, where water entered homes and caused major inconvenience to residents.
Frustrated locals blamed haphazard construction and unauthorised blocking of natural water drains by private developers for worsening the situation.
“There’s no space left for the rainwater to escape. The natural flow has been diverted or blocked by new structures,” said local resident Prakash Naik.
Anjuna Sarpanch Laxmidas Chimulkar, acknowledged the issue but attributed it to ongoing Public Works Department (PWD) construction nearby.
“The PWD is building a culvert slightly ahead, which seems to be obstructing water flow. We will speak to the department officials and ensure the matter is resolved by tomorrow,” Chimulkar assured.
The Mapusa Fire and Emergency Services were kept on their toes throughout the day, responding to at least eight incidents of tree falls across the taluka. Trees fell on roads, houses, and vehicles in areas including Karaswada, Mapusa, Bastora, Guirim, Revora and Colvale. No injuries were reported, but several vehicles sustained damage.
"Fire teams were immediately dispatched to clear the debris and restore access to blocked roads. Despite the volume of calls, we were able to respond swiftly and ensure public safety," said a senior fire officer at the Mapusa station.
