Team Herald
CANACONA: With Canacona recording 125 inches of rainfall and the soil absorption capacity on the mountainous slopes in the taluka reaching its saturation point, residents fear that heavy downpour in coming days could lead to October 2, 2009 like disaster wherein landslides and flash floods caused losses to the tune of over Rs 100 crore.
When Herald spoke to a few senior citizens who stay close to the rivers in the taluka they said in unison that since childhood they had not witnessed so much rainfall in the taluka.
All three major rivers of Canacona namely Galgibaga, Talpona and Saleri have been flooded for the last few weeks.
It may be recalled that on October 2, 2009, the water levels in Talpona and Galgibaga Rivers rose suddenly from 2 to 10 mts above the maximum flood level.
The taluka witnessed large-scale devastation as many people staying close to the river lost everything as the water levels rose quickly and there was no time to move their belongings to safer places.
A decade later, the people still recount the horror wherein their appliances, gas cylinders, domestic animals etc. got washed away. The residents say the number of casualties could have been more if flash floods had to strike the taluka late night.
Satish Painginkar, a Poinguinim resident, who was the then deputy sarpanch, said, “It’s been 10 years since Canacona experienced flash floods, the government had constituted a committee comprising of NIO officials, who had submitted suggestions to avoid such disasters in future.
“If we look at the ground reality nothing has changed for the residents, who are more prone to flash floods. Last time, it happened during the day and next time if it occurs at night one cannot imagine its consequences” Painginkar lamented.
“No action was taken on the NIO team’s recommendations, except for dredging the upper levels of the Talpona River. With around 25 days left for monsoons to end, we feel that the conditions are conducive to flash flood-like situation. We expect the authorities to unveil some safety plan before any disaster strikes, said Ganesh Dhuri, who resides close to Talpona River at Paneafond.
Vice Principal of Mallikarjun College, Professor F M Nadaf informed that there are another 25 days of rain, which will be followed by post-monsoon showers.
“In next 25 days we can expect around 500-700 mm of rainfall. Most talukas will receive over 4000mm of rainfall, which is exceptional. Due to this, the local have raised apprehensions about the possible repeat of Canacona flood-like situation anywhere in Goa,” Nadaf added.
“During the latter part of September, the soil gets saturated and water holding capacity decreases. Such a situation can trigger landslides in hilly areas. In 2009, two reports, which were submitted to the State Government, had given many valuable suggestions but on the ground hardly anything happened. In view of incessant rains we need to be watchful and be prepared for any eventuality,” Prof Nadaf added.
