Daijiworld Media Network – Canacona

Canacona, Jul 6: Intermittent heavy rain and strong winds on Sunday triggered multiple tree-fall incidents across Canacona, disrupting traffic and damaging roadside infrastructure, though no injuries were reported.

The most serious incident occurred near Partagal Math, where a large eucalyptus tree was uprooted and crashed across the old NH-66, bringing down overhead electricity lines and blocking vehicular movement for nearly 30 minutes.

The tree fell just a few metres from the entrance of the temple, forcing traffic to a complete halt, including buses and vehicles carrying pilgrims visiting the site where a giant statue of Lord Ram was recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The fallen tree also damaged roadside power cables, creating a hazardous situation for commuters. Another eucalyptus tree in the area was left precariously suspended on a neighbouring tree, raising further safety concerns.

Although some motorists initially attempted to drive past the obstruction, traffic was later completely stopped until the road could be cleared. No injuries or damage to vehicles were reported.

After the rain subsided, local residents and stranded motorists, who had been waiting for Fire and Emergency Services personnel to arrive, joined hands to remove the fallen tree and restore traffic movement.

Officials from the Electricity Department and Fire and Emergency Services later reached the spot, inspected the damaged power lines and carried out safety measures.

Authorities have advised motorists to remain cautious during the ongoing monsoon, warning that heavy rain and strong winds could lead to more incidents involving uprooted trees, damaged power lines and slippery roads.

Several other tree-fall incidents were reported from different parts of Canacona during the day, but none resulted in injuries.