Bengaluru (Karnataka): Heavy rain for the two consecutive weeks resulted in flooding in several parts of Bengaluru. With the southwest monsoon continuing well into October, beyond its June to September period, the city has been witnessing higher than normal rainfall. Drains overflowed, roads turned into rivulets and homes were inundated in many localities. The lives of many common folks have been wrecked due to the monsoon.
As heavy rains lashed Bannerghatta in the city, a house belonging to 71-year-old Rashmi Amma in Lakkasandra slum collapsed The 71-year-old, who lives with her daughter, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren in a 10x10 house, was forced to move to a public toilet in Wilson garden. The rains had destroyed her house and washed away many of the family's things including groceries.
Rashmi Amma used to work as a sweeper in a Kalyana Mantapa (Marriage Hall). Her daughter Geetha too worked the same job but neither had any work recently due to the Covid pandemic.
Rashmi Amma Breathed Her Last
After the family of Rashmi Amma moved to the public toilet, a social activist approached them to help the family out. After meeting her Rashmi Amma became very sad and started crying inconsolably in front of the activist. She collapsed and lost consciousness. Her daughter Geetha and the social activist rushed Rashmi Amma to the hospital for treatment but were informed by the doctor that Rashmi Amma was no more.
Geetha Leads Life in Public Toilet:
Rashmi Amma's daughter Geetha is still living in the public toilet of Wilson Garden with four children as she copes with the loss of her mother. The children are aged between 4-11 years old. Geetha has run from pillar to post including various government offices for shelter but has not received any help. Hence she took permission from the BBMP to reside in the toilet with her children.
