THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
Although rainfall eased to some extent on Thursday, strong gusty winds continued to lash Sattari taluka, uprooting trees and causing extensive damage to houses, private property and roads in several villages.
While at least four houses were damaged on Thursday alone, fallen trees also blocked roads at several locations, disrupting vehicular traffic.
A large tree fell on the house of Jaidev Gaonkar at Mauxi at about 9.30 am, severely damaging the roof, walls and several valuable household belongings. Cracks also developed in the walls, raising concerns about the structural safety of the house.
Local residents rushed to assist the family before the Valpoi Fire Service team arrived and removed the fallen tree.
Speaking after the incident, Jaidev Gaonkar said the family was left shocked when the tree suddenly crashed onto the house. Though there was no loss of life, the financial damage was substantial. Local residents have urged the government and the MLA to provide immediate financial assistance to the affected family.
In another incident, a tree fell on the house of Rohan Gawas at Bondanwada-Saleli in Honda Panchayat area, damaging the roof and household belongings.
A jackfruit tree collapsed on the house of Laxmi Paryekar, located near the Government Primary School at Shir-Savarde. Several household items were destroyed in the incident.
A tree fell on a house near the temple at Gholwada-Parye, while roof sheets blown off by the impact landed on a neighbouring house, damaging both structures.
In a separate incident, a tree blocked the road near the petrol pump at Parye, bringing traffic to a halt. Fire personnel quickly cleared the obstruction and restored traffic movement.
Another tree also fell near the Kulmaya Temple at Gholwada, creating a traffic obstruction that was promptly cleared by the Fire Service.
At around 6.30 pm, the wall of a house near the Government Primary School at Budruk Karmali collapsed onto a neighbouring house.
With tree-fall incidents increasing across Sattari over the past several days, residents have urged the administration to immediately survey old and dangerous trees located near houses, schools, temples and roads. They have demanded that hazardous trees be pruned or removed before further accidents occur.
Residents have also appealed to the revenue department to complete damage assessments at the earliest and provide financial assistance to all affected families.
Throughout Thursday, the Valpoi Fire Station responded to multiple emergencies involving fallen trees, damaged houses and blocked roads.
Their swift action not only restored normalcy but also saved property worth several lakhs of rupees. Residents have widely appreciated the dedication, efficiency and timely response of the fire personnel.
