Huge task ahead to put things back in order at Usgao Church

OLD GOA
Even as the water receded giving a sigh of relief to the priests and parishioners of St Joseph Church at Usgao, a huge task lay ahead of putting things back to order even as the loss incurred due to the floods was not ascertained.

However, from the damage incurred to various items like electrical and electronic equipment, vehicles, furniture, the losses could run into several lakhs of rupees.

When contacted by The Goan, Assistant Parish Priest of the church Fr Agnelo Gomes said the water level had receded on Friday night itself.

“In the morning, fire brigade officials arrived and helped in cleaning the church,” Fr Gomes stated. Several parishioners also arrived to lend a helping hand in keeping things back in order.”

To a question on the loss suffered due to the floods, Fr Gomes said they were yet to ascertain it.

“There has been a lot of damage to electrical and electronic equipment like sound system, mixer, mikes, batteries, etc. Several buses, bikes and cars are also damaged and the losses could run into several lakhs of rupees,” Fr Gomes informed.

The priest further said his personal keyboard was also damaged.

“Several documents and books were also damaged, while furniture of the church including benches, cupboards also suffered damages,” he added.

“However, the registers of the church were not affected as they were kept on the first floor,” Fr Gomes added.

Fr Gomes further said that power was restored only on Saturday evening while water supply was yet to be restored.