Team Herald
MARGAO: The incessant rains caused due to Cyclone Kyarr since last night disrupted normal life in Salcete and the staff of Fire and Emergency Services on their toes, having received close to 35 calls since Thursday night.
Tree falls were reported at Cuncolim, Panzorconim, Velim, Betul, Assolna, Gogol, Vidhyanagar, Fatorda, Loutolim, Benaulim, Navelim and Fatorda.
The bridge at Paroda was overflowing and as the road was flooded traffic was diverted via Chandor in the morning. However, as the water receded by afternoon the traffic was diverted to the usual route. Incidentally Paroda was flooded for the sixth time during these monsoons.
At Chandor a 90-year-old Chikoo tree in the compound of Rui da Silva collapsed and hampered traffic movement for some time. At Cavelossim, a huge tree collapsed and damaged around 20 electricity poles and temporary connections were given to some places while others remained in darkness. At Gogol a four-wheeler and two motorcycles were damaged due to a tree fall at Gogol. At Chinchinim Deussua the Durga lake was filled to the brim and fearing that the water would enter the low-lying houses nearby, WRD engaged a JCB to open the lake and let some water exit.
The heavy rains and flooding of fields that had paddy ready for harvesting will take a toll on the paddy production this season. Zonal Agriculture Officer Anil Noronha disclosed that farmers from Sancoale and Raia had contacted him about their fields being flooded. However, as the rains are expected to continue for another two days, he said the exact damage will be known after they complete the site inspections.
At many places in Salcete, low-lying roads, some of them in between fields were inundated with water.
