Panaji (Goa): In order to ensure the shack operators do not meet the same fate as during the impact of Cyclone Ockhi, the Tourism Department has issued an advanced warning about possible high tides on January 2 and January 31, 2018. 

In an advisory issued by the Department of Tourism, shack owners, water sports operators and others conducting businesses on the beaches are asked to remain on high alert on January 1 and 2 and January 30, 2018. 

“As per telephonic message received from the District Magistrate North Goa, January 2 and January 31 are full moon days where the moon would be closest to the earth in its orbit also known as ‘Super Moon’ due to which there is likelihood of surge in the high tides and possibility of flooding of beaches affecting the shacks, water sports and other beach activities. In view of the above all concerned businesses, shack owners, water sports operators and other activities on the beaches are hereby directed to be on high alert on January 1 and 2, 2018 and January 30, 2018 and shall take all precautionary measures for avoiding any damages to life and property,” Tourism Director Menino D’Souza said. 

Earlier this month, the coastline suffered damage due to the ingress of the sea after a rapid rise in the high tide level as an impact of Cyclone Ockhi. 

Only in North Goa, considerable damage was caused to almost 50 shacks in Morjim, Mandrem, Arambol and Querim beaches in Pernem Taluka. In Bardez Taluka, soil erosion in Anjuna and Baga beaches were reported.  In South, shacks in Salcette Taluka and almost 60 mtrs of the Floating Jetty at Baina Beach was washed away.

Many shack operators complained that their beach beds, refrigerators and other properties were into waters due to the flooding of the shacks. The loss estimated was huge with the State Disaster Management Authority instructing the departments concerned to conduct a survey and submit a report to it , so that the affected shack operators are compensated for the loss due to the Cyclone.