Thousands of families in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district have been leading a pathetic life for the last two weeks after facing the fury of cyclone Titli.
Almost all of them were disturbed physically and psychologically following the collapse of 48,000 houses, fall of three lakh coconut trees and little chance of revival of economic activity in cashew factories due to damage of crop in 25,000 acres. More than one lakh of 3 lakh victims are now left with no option but to migrate to Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and other places.
Enumeration
The situation of around one lakh agriculture labourers including 30,000 women who mostly depend on coconut and cashew industries is pitiable. A majority of the Titli victims might take a decision on migration in the first week of November.
“We are waiting for the completion of enumeration of the damage and payment of compensation. The amount is expected to be given on October 29. That amount may be little but helps us to survive till we adjust ourselves in new places,” said Korada Venkata Rao, a resident of Itchapuram. B.Purushottam of Akkuapalli, Vajrapukotturu, said the government’s help was must to stop migration. “The compensation of ₹10,000 for the damaged house is really very little and not sufficient for reconstruction. Moreover, there is little chance for livelihood and economic activity. People like me have to leave as there are no shelter and income source.”
First wave begins
The rich mandal Nandigama was also badly affected. Villages like Rampuram, Lingalavalasa, Narsingapalli, Mukhalingapuram, Gudem and others lost their sheen. Many families have already left villages such as Sitanagaram, Marripadu, Chilakapeta, Suryampeta, Kollada and others due to the inordinate delay in the restoration of power. Fortunately, the government could improve supply of water in remote areas. Srikakulam District Fire Safety Officer Ch. Kripavaram said 85 lakh litres was supplied. “We will continue to supply water till normalcy is restored. Operations such as removal of fallen trees and clearance of roads would continue for a couple of weeks.”