KHAMMAM: Once a model for cultivation, the tribal village of Rakasi tanda in Thirumalayapalem mandal of Khammam district now resembles a burial ground due to the devastation caused by an overflowing Akeru River. The sudden deluge left the village in ruins, with nearly 70 families living in fear and uncertainty, having lost their homes, crops and livelihoods.
The floods submerged and damaged a total of 48 houses, with six being completely washed away. In addition to the destruction of homes, about 350 acres of farmland on which chilli, paddy and cotton were being cultivated, have been ruined, resulting in a loss of crores. Before the floods, the farmers of this village were known for their advanced cultivation practices and good yields.
The villagers, who are predominantly tribal and small-scale farmers, owned land ranging from 30 cents to 5 acres. Despite their limited means, they had been leading content lives until the floods struck, dramatically altering their fate.
Bhukya Desa, a 28-year-old farmer, had invested Rs 2 lakh in his chilli crop, borrowing from private moneylenders. “My house collapsed, and my crop was washed away,” he said, on the verge of tears. “We have no support. We ran to the nearby hills with only the clothes we were wearing, and there’s no help from the government,” Desa said.
