The authorities also stopped traffic on the Kharebandh bridge-Benaulim Pedda road as it was submerged under water. Traffic on the Kharebandh-Varca road was also hit due to water-logging. A portion of a wall at Hospicio also collapsed due to the incessant rain.
While eight families from near the Pedda chapel were shifted to the Old district collectorate building, the remaining 46 people inhabiting the Tolleabandh preferred to take shelter at the residences of their friends and relatives.
Joint Mamlatdar John Fernandes who supervised the relief operations in the Benaulim Pedda area informed that the 46 people from Tolleabandh and eight persons from Pedda were evacuated as a precautionary measure. “Water level rose dangerously and would have entered the houses if the heavy rains continued. Though the authorities had made arrangements for their accommodation in the old district collectorate, most of them preferred to spend the day with their relatives”, he said.
As the area was also hit by power failure, Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva rushed to the spot to get the authorities coordinate and restore power supply and evacuate the marooned inhabitants to safety.
Meanwhile, the Margao fire brigade sources informed that since Friday they attended nine calls, mainly related to tree falling and road blockade. Today evening, the personnel had to rush to Velim where a mango tree came crashing on a house. Luckily there were no casualties reported.
