Respite from rains, but some areas remain flooded

Residential areas in several places in rain-hit coastal districts of the state remained under flood water on Wednesday though the heavy rains have stopped. The area remained waterlogged because of poor drainage system in areas of Kakinada, Vijayawada and other coastal towns, official sources said.

 State Home Minister P Sabita Reddy, in-charge minister for East Godavari district, visited some rain-affected areas today.
 Alleging that government had failed to provide adequate relief, opposition TDP leader G Muddukrishnama Naidu demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visit the coastal areas.
 The heavy rains, which followed cyclone Nilam, should be declared a national calamity and the Centre should give a hefty financial assistance, he said.
 YSRCP honorary president Y S Vijayamma, who visited East Godavari district, said her party would raise the issue in the Assembly and ensure proper compensation for those affected.
 Government should convene the Assembly session immediately to discuss the woes of the rain-affected people, she said.

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YSRCP demands immediate relief for flood victims

YSR Congress Party today came down heavily on the Government for its total failure in anticipating the intensity of the Nilam cyclone and the resultant floods in the state.

Addressing media persons in Hyderabad, party MLA G.Srikanth Reddy demanded the Government to make immediate arrangements for payment of financial relief to the victims who suffered property and crop losses due to the heavy floods.

Srikanth Reddy said there are neither medical camps nor drinking water supplies in the flood-hit areas. Heavy property and crop losses occurred in Krishna, Guntur, Prakasham and Godavari districts because of the Government’s negligence and the victims should be compensated immediately.

Taking objection to the Minister Raghuvera Reddy’s announcement that there was no danger from the Nialm, Srikanth Reddy sought an explanation from the Minister on what basis he made the statement.

“The Government should openly admit its failure in anticipating the intensity of the natural calamity and take steps for immediate relief to the farmers and others who lost their crops and property,” he demanded.

It is good the Government has announced ex-gratia for the families of those who lost their lives in the floods but immediate announcement of relief for others is also important as well, he said.

Srinkanth Reddy objected to the statements of some ministers that central teams would visit to assess the flood damage. “What is the use of such teams? The Government has not yet paid the input subsidy promised to farmers during the Jal cyclone in the past,” he remarked.

Naidu desperate for power

Srikanth Reddy said TDP President Chandrababu Naidu is desperate for power and his visits to the flood hit areas seemed to be aiming at votes.

During his 9-year rule, Naidu never thought of irrigation, drainage system and loan or interest waiver but now he is making all promises to the people. “He kept quiet when Karnataka built projects during his rule and because of that we are experiencing the floods now,” he said, adding people won’t believe his promises going by his past record.

Srinkanth Reddy objected to the statements of some ministers that central teams would visit to assess the flood damage. “What is the use of such teams? The Government has not yet paid the input subsidy promised to farmers during the Jal cyclone in the past,” he remarked.

- Sakshipost

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