The continuous rains have put the life of a common man completely out of order in the state of Goa and there is a flood-like the situation is created in the various parts of Goa. The orange alert was already issued by the Meteorological Department a few days back but despite that due to the lack of distress management plans the state is facing the drastic situation.
According to the reports, People have been evacuated from villages of Pilgao, Usgao, and Amona as well as from Mala, in the capital city of Panaji. The heavy rains have thrown life out of gear with trees blocking road damaging properties.
In the capital city itself, the situation remained the worst with trees coming down in various locations damaging the properties. Most of the areas in the capital city remained flooded throughout with several schools and offices remained closed. Even the Atal Setu was kept closed for the traffic due to heavy flooding at both the ends of the bridge.
Heavy rains have also caused a traffic jam in national highways at Zauri bridge and Grim at Mapusa. Even landslides have blocked the Goa-Belgavi, Chorla ghat. Heavy rains have canceled trains on South Western route.
Due to continuous rains in the state, chief minister Pramod Sawant also visited flood-affected places in his constituency- Sankhali, and Panaji to assess the problems. Speaking to media persons, Sawant said flooding has taken place in low lying places and added that there has been no damage to houses in these areas. Whereas in few places water has entered homes.
Sawant assured help would be provided through chief minister relief fund for those people who are affected by the flood. “The situation is under control,” he said adding that he has asked the director of education to take a review of the situation and if heavy rains continue in the state to consider giving a holiday for schools and higher secondary.
Meanwhile, the rising level of the water above the danger level at Anjunem dam in Sattari has created another situation wherein the people from the nearby areas, like Sanquelim, Bicholim and other mining areas have been asked to remain alert to face any situation.
Authorities have alerted locals residing near the rivers not to venture into the water until water levels recede. Currently, the water level of Sakhali river is 2.8m, while the Bicholim river is at 3.3m at around 6.30pm on Sunday evening. Authorities of the flood and emergency cell have informed locals not to panic, as the situation is under control.
Meanwhile, the water level at Anjunem dam in Sattari taluka has also risen due to unabated rain, prompting authorities to open all four gates of the dam to maintain the water level. This has led to a rise in the water level of Valvanti river at Sakhali and Bicholim river at Bicholim. Bicholim mamlatdar, Pravinjay Pandit, said that the water level at Anjunem dam was 91.2m.
Source: Times of India | The Tribune
