Public criticises ministers for failing to protect Khammam district from floods

KHAMMAM: Residents of Khammam district are openly criticising the three ministers representing their region, accusing them of failing to protect the area from severe flooding.

Despite Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlighting that Khammam has three ministers, locals are frustrated that these leaders have done little to prevent the devastation caused by floods in the Munneru River. Instead, they claim that the ministers have left them to fend for themselves, praying for divine intervention.

Many residents, unsure who will come to their aid, have been forced to climb onto buildings for safety, crying out for help. With food supplies running out, they are in a desperate situation. Although news of severe flooding in Khammam emerged on Sunday morning, affecting both the Godavari and Munneru rivers, locals are angry that the ministers appeared indifferent.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka's visit to the area was cancelled on Saturday evening due to rain. Still, residents accuse him of failing to alert the public or mobilise relief efforts despite remaining in Khammam. While he visited a few places, he largely ignored Khammam city.

Historically, the Munneru River basin is the first area affected by heavy rains in Khammam. Areas like Prakash Nagar in Khammam city and villages along the Hyderabad road frequently suffer during such events. In the past, former minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar would promptly alert the public and officials, moving people from low-lying areas to safer locations with police assistance. Despite having three ministers now, the preparations have been inadequate.

Although the India Meteorological Department and the Hyderabad Weather Centre had issued warnings a week in advance, the district’s Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and ministers Tummala Nageswara Rao and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy reportedly stayed in Hyderabad, showing little concern for the situation. As conditions worsened, Ponguleti finally arrived in Khammam to inspect a few flood-affected areas, but by then, much of the damage had already been done.