Now, stagnant flood water poses serious health risks in Amritsar district

The foul smell emanating from stagnant water in many flood-affected areas has become a major concern for people as well as health authorities. While efforts are being made to drain out the standing water, the authorities concerned are also spraying chemicals to control the spread of diseases.

Even as the flood water has started ebbing, it is still seen trapped in residential areas where walls of the buildings and other hurdles are still stopping it from flowing out. The stagnant water, along with waste present in it, has started to rot, emitting an unbearable foul smell.

Residents fear that unhygienic conditions could give rise to many health issues. To ensure public safety, the Health Department, too has issued an advisory. Civil Surgeon Dr Swaranjit Dhawan said people should avoid direct contact with flood water as it can lead to skin problems like itching, boils rashes and allergies.

He advised people to wash their hands with soap and clean water before eating, keep drinking water and food covered and protected from flood water, and maintain safe cooking, storage and follow proper handling practices.

The advisory further stresses that only boiled or chlorine-mixed water should be consumed, fruits and vegetables must be washed with clean water before use and food that has come into contact with flood water should not be eaten. People have also been urged to remove stagnant water from around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding and use mosquito nets, repellents or coils.

The department has urged families to give special care to children and elderly people, use toilets instead of open defecation, and dispose of garbage in a proper way. In case of any illness, public has been asked to immediately approach the nearest hospital or health centre. For assistance and queries, a helpline number 89680-08060 has also been made available.

District Epidemiologist Dr Harjot Kaur has appealed to people in the affected areas to strictly follow the advisory to prevent the outbreak of waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases in the coming days.