TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
CANACONA/MAYEM: The sudden rains in the wee hours of Saturday took people by surprise but the downpour had a mixed effect in the State.
While the rains were welcomed by farmers in Bicholim taluka who are eagerly awaiting the Tillari water, the showers caused some problems to the unsuspecting residents as well as tourists residing in makeshift huts along the coastal areas.
In Canacona, the rains began at about 1 am in the northern parts of the taluka and intermittently in different locations, with Agonda, Shristhal, parts of Poinguinim and Canacona municipal areas receiving heavy rains soon after the dawn.
There was another shower at Khola and Agonda for about 30 minutes in the afternoon.
Early risers on their regular errands were the most inconvenienced ones, as almost everyone, including several students were forced to carry umbrellas.
It was also a difficult time for two-wheeler riders, as many found it hard to begin their day amidst the heavy downpour. Many pathways and roads were filled with rainwater.
While most temporary tourism huts/cottages were suitably protected for such eventualities, a few tourists staying in some cottages/huts at Agonda and Palolem beach coasts were scurrying around looking for protection as rainwater began to seep inside their temporary structures.
In Bicholim Taluka, it was a relief for farmers eagerly awaiting the Tillari water for the cultivations.
“The rain on Friday night was a big blessing for the farmers, who have cultivated crops in different areas of Sal village and these crops were on the verge of shrivelling up due to water shortage from the Tillari dam,” said Sal Sarpanch Ghanshyam Raut.
The showers, however, posed all kinds of problems to many residents who were unprepared for the sudden change in weather.
Rainwater seeped into many homes, while people had to hastily salvage their belongings which were kept in the open.
