Panaji : Goa witnessed the worst floods in the last forty years. According to reports one person is feared dead, around 1,000 houses damaged and hundreds of people evacuated from low-lying parts inundated due to incessant rains.
The floods have not even spared the animals. In rural areas of Valpoi and Sattari hundreds of cows died in the wee hours of the night. Fodder was also destroyed due to floods.
CM Dr Pramod Sawant said, “This is one of the worst floods since 1982. Properties worth crores of rupees have been damaged”
According to authorities the water level in Tillari and Anjunem dam rose alarmingly which forced the authorities to release the water which further added to the problem of flooding.
Sattari Bicholim, Dharbandora as well as Ponda appeared to be the worst-hit in the floods. Past reports also point out that the flood might have been a man-made disaster. In Sattari taluka there have excavations carried out haphazardly which led to the destruction of ‘Sherni Plants’ which protect the riverine coast.
According to Wildlifer Amrut Singh, Whener distillation work goes on, the contractors remove boulders which affect the natural flow of the river.
Dr Nandakumar Kamat stated “Nature floods land from time to time but if people don’t make any provisions for the this floodwater to get absorbed into the ground, they will have to face this challenge”
As a relief measure the government has quantified the damage and is set to provide aid in different ways.
According to IMD report the rain is not going to completely recende any sooner. “Heavy Rainfall (Rainfall>6cm in 24hrs) very likely at isolated places over North & South Goa districts from 26th to 28th July & at a few places on 29th &30th July,” informed IMD.
