Palkol residents distressed by floods and lack of basic amenities after Cyclone Murasu

Floodwaters caused by Cyclone Murasu have not receded even after a week in Palkol town of West Godavari district. Local residents have complained that despite all efforts to draw the attention of the authorities to this serious problem and seek help, there has been no result and no assistance has been provided.

According to a report by The Hindu, water has accumulated in the A.P. Housing Board Colony, Allu Venkata Satyanarayana Colony, and surrounding areas. Floodwaters entered many houses, causing heavy damage to household belongings. Due to waterlogging in these areas, the electricity supply is not being provided properly. Additionally, as roads are submerged, vendors selling milk and vegetables are unable to reach these areas, causing severe hardship to the residents.

Local resident Vijaya Lakshmi stated that mud and debris have entered houses from some roads. Due to stagnant floodwaters in the colonies, snakes and poisonous reptiles have emerged, creating an atmosphere of panic among the people. Sathi Babu of A.V.S. Colony said that he had sent messages to Palkol municipal and revenue officials through social media groups and tried to meet public representatives, but received no response from them.

Another resident, Kumari, told The Hindu on Saturday that medicines and basic necessities have run out in many houses. Due to knee-deep water, senior citizens, pregnant women, and lactating mothers are suffering greatly. Kumari's house was also damaged due to the cyclone. She further added that street lights are not functioning and some people have had to vacate their homes and move to safer locations as their houses were submerged in floodwaters.

A grocery store owner stated that when he visited the Secretariat, Revenue, and Municipal offices, the assistants and guards there informed him that the officials are on election duty. No steps have been taken to drain the floodwaters.

An official stated regarding this matter that floodwater has accumulated in low-lying areas and several areas have been submerged for the last few days, and they are trying to resolve this problem.