Harish Rao writes to CM for timely relief for flood victims

Harish Rao highlighted the distressing situation in Khammam, where despite nine MLAs from the ruling party representing the people, not a single helicopter was deployed to rescue stranded citizens.

Hyderabad: Emphasizing the need for timely and adequate relief to the flood victims, BRS leader T Harish Rao on Saturday wrote to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy calling for immediate and comprehensive action to address the devastating impact of recent heavy rains and floods across the State.

The floods had affected districts such as Khammam, Mahabubabad, Suryapet and Warangal, leaving entire colonies submerged and daily life at a standstill. Quoting official reports he said the calamity had resulted in the tragic loss of 33 lives, property damage was estimated at Rs.5,438 crore and the destruction of crops was across more than 4.25 lakh acres. However, the actual damage was believed to be far greater, with many unaccounted deaths, losses and crop destruction. The flood-affected regions remain devastated, with homes filled with mud, fields buried under sand, and roads washed away.

---

Harish Rao highlighted the distressing situation in Khammam, where despite nine MLAs from the ruling party representing the people, not a single helicopter was deployed to rescue stranded citizens. This lack of proactive response had eroded public trust in the government’s ability to handle crises.

Inadequate assistance

The letter criticized the government’s inconsistent and insufficient approach to compensation, which only intensified the pain and anger of the affected people. Initially, an immediate relief of Rs.10,000 was announced, with a promise of additional aid based on the extent of the damage. However, this amount was later capped at Rs.16,500, which was grossly inadequate for families who lost their homes, belongings and livelihoods. Offering just Rs.18,000 to those whose houses collapsed was a mere token that hardly addressed their immense suffering, he said.

In Khammam district alone, 15,096 flood-affected people were identified to receive Rs.6,500, but only 146 were considered eligible for Rs.18,000. Such selective and arbitrary distribution of aid was not only unfair but also an insult to those who endured immense losses. Small traders who lost their entire stock due to the floods were struggling with debt, and the limited assistance being offered would do little to help them rebuild their lives, Harish Rao said, also expressing alarm that not a single rupee was released as compensation for farmers who lost their crops.

The proposed Rs 10,000 per acre was nowhere near sufficient to cover their losses. He reminded the Chief Minister that as an opposition leader, Revanth Reddy himself had demanded Rs.25,000 per acre for crop damages. Now, as the leader in power, the reduction of this figure had left farmers feeling utterly betrayed.

Assistance elusive for many

Despite 20 days having passed since the floodwaters receded, many victims were yet to receive any compensation, he said, urging the Chief Minister to take immediate and comprehensive action.