Mapusa roads submerged, homes and shops flooded

Mapusa: Just two hours of a downpour on Tuesday presented the people of Mapusa with challenges that went beyond the usual monsoon woes. Heavy rain in the afternoon submerged the narrow roads of Mapusa as traders struggled to save their goods.Many shops were flooded, including Bardez Bazar. The supermarket was filled with ankle-deep water, forcing its temporary closure.A scary scene unfolded when a rider, clinging to his two-wheeler, was swept away by the forceful current of rainwater gushing down the main road at Khorlim.Mapusa residents and traders blamed the city council for the uncleared and choked drains, which they said belied the claims of pre-monsoon maintenance.“Drains and nullahs were to be cleaned. Why couldn’t they get it done a month in advance? You can’t blame the situation on unseasonal rain alone,” said Jailesh Chodankar, a trader.For months, Mapusa traders have been telling the council to improve the basic amenities.“We are not heard at all. Whatever we say falls on deaf ears,” another trader said. “I am not surprised that the market was flooded today.”Among the areas inundated at Mapusa were Khorlim, Ansabhat, Cunchelim, and Peddem near the North Goa district hospital.Several motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles as driving became dangerous after rainwater coursed through roads.In the low-lying parts of the town, roads turned into streams and in some other areas, water surged into homes and businesses.Mapusa Fire Services reported receiving four complaints of water entering houses at Karaswada, Tarir, and Khorlim, in addition to a minor landslide at Shetyewaddo.There were also reports of trees falling in at least five locations. In one instance, a tottering tree smashed into a parked four-wheeler.