Rupesh Samant

Canacona (Goa) Mhadlu Gaonkar of Khotigao who had gone in his fields last evening had a brush with the death, when he almost got carried away with the tides that rushed in his field due to sudden swelling of River Talpona.

Standing on a safer side of his field, Mhadlu could do nothing but see his fields being inundated with water. By that time, the alarm had already been raised in the areas of Bhatpal, Ardafond, Manya, Dabel and Khotigao bringing back the memories of devasting flood that Canacona witnessed on October 2, 2009.

As the rains kept hitting the State and water from upstream rising, Talpona river saw unexpected rise in its level last evening. As people stood in the fear of revisiting 2009 memories, at least 60 houses which are located on the bank of this river were vacated.

The families were asked to stay away from the spot as it was not sure whether the water is going to hit more danger levels.

“This went on for few hours but finally the water started receding. But still people took no chance and spent their nights at their relatives’ place with the hope that their belongings would remain safe,” an eye witness said.

While Fire and Emergency Services was the only sign of disaster management, Congress party leaders including Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco and Janardhan Bhandari were seen camping at Canacona.

The party leaders have assured full support to the affected people, while condemning the failure of disaster management facility in the State. “There is no disaster management in place here. Thank God that the water receded in the night,” said Bhandari.

While houses remained undamaged, the large part of the agriculture has gone under water. State agriculture department is expected to conduct the survey to find out exact damage to the crops.