Thousands of residents in Belagavi and Bagalkot districts of Karnataka, returning to their flood-ravaged homes after the waters receded, are now grappling with a new crisis. The devastating floods have left their homes filled with mud and debris, creating a daunting challenge for these communities as they attempt to rebuild their lives.
Despite the urgent need for assistance, the government has not yet provided immediate financial aid to help the affected families clean and sanitize their homes. The flood victims, many of whom belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, are left to fend for themselves, with no support from local authorities.
Farmers like Chinnappa S Jaliberi from Mirji village have expressed their frustration, noting the lack of intervention by government officials and the overwhelming task of clearing the thick mud from their homes. The situation is exacerbated by the destruction of crops, leaving many without a source of income.
In contrast, during the 2018 floods, the government had provided ₹10,000 as immediate relief to affected families, which helped them restore their homes. This year, however, no such support has been forthcoming, leaving the villagers to bear the burden alone.
District officials have stated that compensation and relief can only be extended after a survey is completed, which will be conducted once the floodwaters fully recede. Meanwhile, the affected communities continue to call for urgent assistance to help them recover from this disaster.