Goa on its knees as Kyarr delivers knockout punch

PANAJI: Cyclonic storm Kyarr, which is heading towards Oman, left behind a trail of destruction with broken homes and uprooted trees, and throwing life out of gear by knocking down electricity poles and inundating roads, cutting parts of Goa from the mainland, as heavy rain lashed across the state on Friday.
Heavy rains for the third consecutive day saw Chorao, Divar, Paroda and parts of Bicholim being cut off due to flooding.
Strong winds between 150 and 185kmph knocked down power lines and trees
More than 30 flights were affected, while trains were seen running around 15-20 minutes behind schedule.
Strong winds between 150 and 185kmph knocked down power lines and trees, which rendered several parts of the state powerless.

“No loss of life has been reported,” said an official.
“Across the state, there were 300 calls, of which around 150 calls have been cleared. Our vehicles are still out, so the assessment of the loss has not been done,” said an official with the fire department.

Waterlogging in parts of the state made it difficult for college students and employees heading to their office in the morning.
“Given the severe weather conditions, the examinations to be held on October 25 and 26 stand postponed. New dates will be intimated shortly,” said a note by Goa University, in reference to the third-year exams.

At several places, trees fell onto cars and motorcycles causing economic loss to the owners, said authorities.
The signature bridge, Atal Setu, was closed for traffic for a few hours after the approach ramps went underwater.

Verna police station’s move to assist citizens brought a bright spot to the otherwise bleak day. Police sub-inspector Kiran Naik, assistant sub-inspector Nilu Shet and police constable Umesh Naik waded through flooded waters to rescue nine persons stuck in a flood at Hanka Bandora.