Pre-Monsoon Winds and Rains Topple Trees Across Bardez; Traffic Hit, Houses Damaged

Pre-Monsoon Winds and Rains Topple Trees Across Bardez; Traffic Hit, Houses Damaged

MAPUSA, May 24 — Gusty pre-monsoon winds triggered a spate of tree-fall incidents across Bardez taluka on Saturday , blocking roads and damaging two houses. No casualties were reported. Five incidents were confirmed by disaster management officials by evening. At Camurlim, a tree fell near Suresh Garage, forcing traffic diversions. The Thivim–Colvale road was briefly blocked after a tree came down at Thivim.

In Colvale, a coconut tree crashed onto a house near Casa Colvale – Chapel House, causing minor roof damage. Another coconut tree fell on the road near Bhabas Chapel at Karaswada, Akoi, and was cleared by locals. A chickoo tree also hit a house near the football ground at Thivim.

Fire and Emergency Services teams, along with panchayat workers, cleared most obstructions by nightfall. “Dry soil and sudden winds are a dangerous mix. We’re on alert,” an official said.The District Disaster Management Authority has asked residents to report dangerous trees to emergency helpline number  and avoid parking under large trees during squalls.