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AFTER EFFECTS OF THE TSUNAMI: SEEN FROM COASTAL VASCO
>From Daniel F. de Souza
danielf at sancharnet.in
It's 00.00 hrs now and I have just returned back after a visit to the Baina
shores and its adjoining areas. The after effects of the
earthquake-triggered giant tsunami in Indonesia have also been felt in this
coastal region of Vasco.
The level of water along the Baina coast increased rapidly and gradually
subsided thereafter. Some boats lying on the shore were also were in the
danger of being washed away, and, fearing this, the fisherman were taking
precautions to secure them safely higher on the shore.
The level of water has risen to such a level on the shore which otherwise is
normal only during the monsoons.
People living near to the coast behind the MPT hospital and the areas along
the Baina beach belt were running to safety in total panic along with their
children and whatever belongs they can manage.
I noticed one family even moving out in a tempo with personal belongings.
Several cars were parked out on the road along the Baina side facing towards
Vasco, presumably in readiness to flee in the event of any emergency.
Most of the people living near to the coast are migrant workers and are
housed in small shanties. At the Baina beach there were hundreds of people
who had come out on the beach to watch the natural phenomenon.
The Vasco Police have stationed their personnel and a control van is around
to render any help on the Baina shore. Besides, an ambulance is also
stationed at the beach-side.
People are seen grouping together with total anguish.
I was told that the people living in the huts around the masjid area were
moved to safety because the water had almost entered their dwelling place.
On visiting the Kharewada area, people were seen standing outside their
houses. The houses in this area are touching the coast, facing the MPT's
berth No. 10 and 11.
The activity at the Port is however normal with four vessels working at the
berth numbers. 8,9,10, and 11 respectively. Besides there are six fishing
trawlers and two trans-shipper vessels anchored inside of the breakwater (EOB)
and other vessels too are working at WOB.
The high-water timings are scheduled at 02.24 hrs today, and this is
precisely what is causing the residents of the coastal areas a little of
panic in this port town..
It is understood the level of water has also gone high in the coastal areas
of Agonda, Palolem and the adjoining coastal areas in the south.
00.23 hrs. 27-12-2004 Vasco
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
IN CANACONA, COASTAL DWELLERS SEEK REFUGE, INCLUDING AT THE NEW BUS-STAND
>From Tony Martin
tonymartin66 at yahoo.com
December 27, 2004 - 12:20 AM: The after effects of the massive tidal waves
triggered by an Indonesian earthquake were felt in Canacona as the waters
continued to rise.
Most villagers of the coastal Palolem, Polem, Maxem and Galgibaga vacated
their houses anticipating the worst.
Over 3000 people are sheltered in the new bus stand at Canacona while many
others have gone to Quepem. The people in Babrem and Mashem have also
vacated their houses and moved to safer places. No casualties reported.
Police are watching the scene for any eventuality.
****************************************************************************
FOOTNOTE: Daniel F. de Souza is a Konkani writer and freelance journalist,
and is based at Elvira Apartments in Vasco da Gama, Goa. He can be contacted
via phone +91-832-2510714 mobile 9822163329 or email dannyboy04 at
rediffmail.com and danielf at sancharnet.in
Tony Martin is the pen name of Anthony Barreto, a writer and journalist who
has worked in Goa's major newspapers, and has also authored books, the latest
of which is his 'Naked Goa', a critical insight into the not-so-pleasant
sides of Goa.
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