Team Herald
PONDA: Heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning disrupted Diwali festival shopping in Ponda on Thursday, causing inconvenience to vendors and customers.
The vendors abandoned their goods on footpaths and rushed inside the market complex for shelter. People said the change in weather is affecting their daily activities. The unseasonal weather, which has damaged crops, has left the farmers worried.
Three incidents of tree falling were reported following heavy downpour and people were left stranded in the market for an hour.
The rain hampered last-minute shopping for Laxmi Pujan, a festival that requires flowers, sweets, fruits, and decorative items.
The vendors were upset as their goods were affected due to heavy rain, while some managed to use plastic covers to protect their wares
The fog, which persisted for a week, reduced visibility and disrupted traffic, leading to the closure of the Adpai-Rasoi ferry service.
The ferry had to be closed to prevent accidents, forcing travellers to proceed to Verna, Vasco, and Margao.