Goa faced a tragic turn of events on Sunday as three construction workers lost their lives when a retaining wall collapsed on their makeshift dwelling at the Kundaim Industrial Estate, underscoring the destructive impact of relentless rainfall across the state.
The incident occurred amidst widespread inundation and landslides triggered by heavy downpours, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to elevate its alert from yellow to red. Initially anticipated as a day under a yellow alert, Goa was caught off guard by the intensity of the rainfall, which submerged several parts of Panaji including Patto, Mala, Campal, and Miramar. Rivers such as Valvanti in Bicholim and Talpona and Galibaga in Canacona swelled, causing flooding that submerged critical roads, while the key road at Paroda was also affected. Emergency responders, inundated with distress calls, grappled with the fallout: landslides in Ponda taluka disrupted traffic for hours, while numerous trees fell, damaging homes and blocking roads across the state. The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services reported receiving 153 calls for assistance by evening, highlighting the scale of the crisis. A officer at Kundaim fire station, recounted the tragic incident, stating, “Four men employed by Southern Engineering Project were asleep when the compound wall collapsed due to softened soil from heavy rain. One person, Ankit Kumar Yadav, managed to escape with minor injuries.”
Roads at Mopa, Calvim, Curchorem, Borim, Kavlem, Bandora, and Guirim were submerged, stranding vehicles and causing significant disruption. In Davorlim and Navelim, rainwater entered homes, exacerbating the plight of residents already grappling with annual flooding issues. The Valpoi fire station reported ongoing efforts to rescue a trapped individual in Ghonteli village, highlighting the peril faced by low-lying areas. At Guirim, motorists found themselves trapped as waterlogged roads concealed the depth of the flooding. Local authorities and residents alike expressed frustration over the recurring flooding crisis, with accusations levelled at the Davorlim panchayat for inadequate measures. The situation remains precarious as Goa navigates through one of the most severe rainfall episodes in recent years, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of unpredictable monsoons.
This calamitous event serves as a stark reminder of Goa’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and underscores the imperative for coordinated efforts to mitigate risks and enhance resilience in coastal regions prone to seasonal monsoon impacts.
