Heavy rains killed 44 in Telangana, caused Rs. 4,500Cr damage

The intense rainfall that caused widespread destruction across various regions of Telangana in two episodes from July 18 to 28 2023 led to the unfortunate loss of 44 lives. Additionally, it inflicted significant damages to roads, irrigation facilities, drinking water pipelines, and power infrastructure, amounting to an estimated ₹4,565 crore, as reported by the state government during the assembly session on Friday.

Following a deliberation on the extensive damage caused by heavy rains and floods last month, State Roads and Buildings Minister Vemula Prashant Reddy addressed the House, revealing that a total of 44 individuals lost their lives during the floods. Mulugu district reported the highest number of fatalities, with six deaths recorded in Hanamkonda.

The minister further informed that the government had announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased victim. Additionally, a sum of ₹10,000 was provided to each affected family to cover property damages incurred due to the calamity.

Reddy reported that Moranchapalli village in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district experienced severe inundation due to flash floods in Moranchavagu caused by heavy rains on the night of July 26 and 27. Tragically, three individuals lost their lives, and one person remains missing in the village.

He further detailed that there were breaches and damage to 756 minor irrigation tanks and canals, necessitating ₹178 crore for restoration efforts. Additionally, a total of 768 roads, highways, bridges, and buildings sustained damages, requiring ₹253.77 crore for temporary restoration and ₹1771.47 crore for permanent restoration.

Concerning the rural road network, 1,517 roads incurred damage, for which ₹1526.74 crore was needed for restoration. The damage to power lines and poles amounted to ₹62.98 crore. Additionally, there was a significant livestock loss totaling ₹38.51 crore. Reddy noted that the extent of damage to crops, including horticulture, was still awaiting assessment.

In urban local bodies, the heavy rains resulted in significant damage to culverts, sewerage lines, drains, streetlights, and other infrastructure, with an estimated loss of around ₹380 crore.

Within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, properties and infrastructure suffered losses amounting to ₹256.66 crore, as reported by the minister.

Reddy asserted that the state government promptly initiated relief and rehabilitation efforts and allocated ₹500 crore for immediate relief. He emphasized the tireless efforts of officials and field-level staff who worked around the clock to carry out relief operations in the flood-affected areas, minimizing loss of life.

The minister criticized the central government for not providing any financial assistance to the state despite the substantial loss incurred. He noted that the central government had readily released funds to BJP-ruled states in similar situations, highlighting what he perceived as a disparity in assistance allocation.

“Between 2018 and 2022, the Centre had released ₹44,219 crore to various BJP-ruled states towards flood relief, but had not shown any mercy towards Telangana. Even during September 2016 and October 2020 floods, there was heavy damage to the crops and properties in Telangana to the extent of ₹8,851 crore, but the Centre had not released any extra funds other than the State Calamity Relief Fund,” he said.