PONDA: Normal life in Usgao-Ganjem was affected due to heavy rainfall, as River Mhadei overflowed, causing flooding in the panchayat jurisdiction.
According to Usgao-Ganjem locals the road at Ganjem was submerged at around 9 am halting traffic on Gajem-Valpoi route. Due to heavy rain and flooding, the various schools in surrounding areas of Usgao-Ganjem remained closed at around 10 am, as parents were urged to pick up their students. The Ponda Fire personnel and disaster team managed to rescue around 15 students and some locals, who were stranded at Tiral due to flooding, were dropped safely at their respective destinations.
The Dudhsagar river, another tributary of Mhadei flowing from Dharbandora, Ponda Taluka was swollen following heavy rain.
The Padmakar Mutt located on banks of the river at Murdi, was partially submerged. Water entered the houses located at Vagurme. The Nirankal-Dabal road was submerged, traffic on this route was disrupted for some hours.
Ponda Mamlatdar Bikhu Gawas said South Goa Collector Asvin Chandru along with officials of disaster management team and Usgao-Ganjem panchayat members visited the affected areas in Murdi-Khandepar, Tiral-Usgao and Ganjem-Usgao and took stock of situation.
Gawas said though by evening the situation had returned to normal, some parts remained flooded.
He said that in case of emergency, the administration is prepared to shift the locals to Usgao-Ganjem Panchayat hall.