Warangal: Flood victims express anger on apathy of BRS leaders, officials

WARANGAL: Even though the rains have subsided, the people of 142 colonies under GWMC limits are facing adversities. These habitations in the tri-cities of Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet remain inundated. For the past few days, drainage water was entering above five feet height into their houses, disturbing the normal life of the residents in these colonies.

The slab of the primary government school in the Ursu Gutta collapsed and the stationery like books etc kept for distribution to the students was damaged in the floodwaters. Notably, the officials had set up a rehabilitation centre in the same school. No one was hurt in the incident.

When some people of the submerged colonies were shifted to their relatives’ houses, the others were still waiting for help to exit the floodwaters.

Raj Kumar, a private school teacher and resident of SRR Thota in Warangal city was worried with the inundation of his house and over the damage to valuables including certificates and books of his children at home.

He told Deccan Chronicle that officials should have alerted the people of low-lying areas and shifted them to safe zones. When it was raining heavily and several colonies were submerged in the floodwaters, officials and ruling party leaders did not care for the people and left them to their fate, he said.

Had we got timely alert and help, we would have saved our valuables and lives, he said, adding that he incurred a loss of about Rs 3 lakh due to the flooding of his home.

P Latha, a resident of Jawahar Colony working in a shopping mall at Hanamkonda, alleged that every year they were facing the same problem but the officials were not taking any permanent steps to avoid such situations in the next rainy season. All the materials and essentials including furniture at her home were submerged in the rainwater. It will take more than two to three months for her family to return to normal life, she said.

“After the floods occur, leaders and officials visit the colonies and promise the victims they would resolve the problem, but nothing happens,” she said.

The residents of BR Nagar, who took shelter in a half-complete apartment block, alleged that neither the officials nor the leaders visited them even after three days of the floods. “We are living in a panic situation with snakes and other worms roaming in the surroundings. When the officials were informed, they said that they sent their staff for help, but no one came here.”