the goan I network
CANACONA
Memories of the October 2, 2009, Canacona floods came back to haunt locals residing along the banks of Talpona river after heavy rains caused flash floods late Saturday night.
Areas around Tamnamoll-Cotigao were flooded by 8 pm after incessant rains flooded the area and news of a farmer who went missing left residents of the area worried. Locals, however, heaved a sigh of relief after the farmer who was caught in flood waters in his field at Tamnamoll returned home at about 11 pm wading through neck-deep water.
Panic also set in after there were reports of water overflowing on the Dabel bridge.
Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes who was alerted of the situation, got in touch with Canacona Mamlatdar Ramesh Gaonkar. This led to a flurry of activity with officials from the fire dept and police personnel gearing up for any eventuality.
Police swung into action and immediately asked people residing along the banks of river Talpona to vacate as reports came in of the river flowing dangerously.
Police and fire personnel remained alert throughout the night on Saturday and most of Sunday keeping a watch on the Ordhofond bridge, which got flooded last year. This time, however, water just flowed down the bridge.
At Bhatpal, several residents packed their belongings by midnight and vacated their premises and had gathered near the Bhatpal church. It was only after flood waters began to recede at about 1 am that people were advised to return to their houses.
Besides, MLA Fernandes, Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco rushed to Bhatpal at about 2 am. Congress leaders Janardhan Bhandari and Sanju Naik were also present.
According to agriculture officials, 50 farmers are affected, causing a total loss of about Rs 15 lakh. Crops were damaged, while infrastructure like pumps, fencing, pipelines, protection walls were either washed away or damaged.
Agriculture officers have convened a meeting of affected farmers at Cotigao panchayat on Monday.
Meanwhile, South Goa MP Narendra Sawaikar also visited the areas affected by the floods.
