CANACONA FLOODS, STATE DISASTER

The unprecendented natural calamity, the first at least in the past century in various villages of the Canacona Taluka has rung a loud and clear “warning call” demanding that we respect the Earth’s Environment and Ecology and learn to live in harmony with nature.

While visiting the various villages we witnessed the devastation of the hard earned security of large section of the people, who are still numbered by nature’s fury unleashed in a few minutes.

OVERALL DESTRUCTION:

The Senior citizens reported that never did they experience in their area the rise of water level to such heights. Water marks indicate the enormous height the flood reached in some areas and that even the connecting bridge at Bhatpal was inundated. The villages that have been badly affected are Bhatpal, Chiplem, Sadolxem, Loliem and Galgibaga.

The gushing waters deposited slimy mud in the houses. Many of the mud houses collapsed. People lost all their belongings: house ownerships documents, house-hold items, live stock, life saving medicines and all their savings in cash and valuable their future security wiped out! Since the wells were flooded drinking water sources are contaminated and the water pumps are dysfunctional. Even three days later, a bad odour emits from the houses rendering habitation difficult. People are displaced and most of them are staying at the houses of neighbours on a higher level or relatives.

Agriculture bore the brunt of Nature’s rage. The fertile cultivated lands being ona a lower level area were totally destroyed. Coconut and other plantations are completely damaged. The situation of the farmers is pitable.

Educational and Religious Institutions were affected too. Loss of infrastructure and official Documents within the Educational premises besides the educational equipments including booka of students were washed away.

Means of communication and connectivity of all types were disrupted i.e. roads, electricity, telephones, bridges were damaged and are now gradually limping to normalcy.

Ongoing work:

Traditionally, in emergencies people reach out to the afflicted very promptly. Immediate relief poured in from various individuals and organizations. The Government too did not lag behind in providing immediate relief of food and initial monetary aid. The Government through competent authorities is currently assessing the damage and destruction in order to compensate the affected families.

Under the leadership of the Parish Pastoral council and the Parish Social Apostolate Forum, the villagers of the church of Agonda formed teams to help clean the affected people’s homes in the villages. They exhibited commandable community spirit to assist their fellow citizens in their hour of need.