After the deluge: When the waters recede, the dangers remain

As the floodwaters slowly retreat from parts of the state, a new wave of concern is beginning to rise — one that’s far less visible but potentially more devastating. While homes, roads and fields in Jalandhar and Kapurthala bore the brunt of nature’s fury for over a month, public health officials are now warning of the silent dangers that follow such devastation.

Dr Aditya Singh, District Epidemiologist at the Civil Surgeon Office, Jalandhar, says as the immediate chaos settles, attention must turn towards the risk of disease outbreaks. In flood-hit regions, this threat often lingers long after the water recedes, quietly putting lives at risk.

The flood’s reach

In Jalandhar, relentless rainfall inundated both urban neighbourhoods and rural belts. Streets and homes in areas such as New Baradari, Kishanpura, Damuria Pull and Partap Bagh were overrun by floodwaters, severely disrupting daily life. In the countryside — villages such as Bilga, Shahkot, Mehatpur and Barapind — the story was no different. Fields were submerged, houses marooned and entire communities were forced to live surrounded by stagnant water for days.

Kapurthala, too, saw a large swathe of its rural belt submerged. Even as residents begin counting the visible damage to homes and livelihoods, another threat is quietly surfacing — one that thrives in the aftermath of floods.

Why floodwaters are dangerous?

Dr Singh said floodwater is not clean rainwater. Once it enters streets, homes and drains, it quickly mixes with sewage, rotting garbage, animal waste and sometimes even chemicals and industrial effluents. This toxic brew creates the perfect breeding ground for disease.

The resulting health risks generally fall into three broad categories. Water and food-borne illnesses — such as diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A and E — are common due to contamination. Vector-borne diseases — such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya — become a concern as stagnant water turns into mosquito breeding sites. And then there are infections and injuries linked to animals and rodents, such as leptospirosis and snakebites, as wildlife is displaced from its natural habitat.

The diseases that follow

Each post-flood disease carries its own danger, but many share similar early warning signs. Quick recognition and prompt action can mean the difference between recovery and complication.

Diarrhoeal Diseases (Cholera, Typhoid, Dysentery): Symptoms include loose, watery stools (sometimes with blood), vomiting and fatigue. The danger lies in how quickly these conditions can cause dehydration, especially in children and the elderly. Dr Singh advises starting Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) immediately and seeking medical help without delay.

Hepatitis A and E: These viruses spread quickly in contaminated water, with symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes and skin, dark urine, nausea and fatigue. Hepatitis E, in particular, poses a higher risk for pregnant women. Boiled or chlorinated drinking water is essential and food that may have come into contact with floodwater must be avoided.

Acute Respiratory Infections: In overcrowded relief shelters and damp homes, the risk of respiratory infections rises. Coughs, colds, breathlessness and fever — especially in children — can escalate to pneumonia. Early treatment is crucial, particularly for children under five.

Dengue, Malaria: Sudden high fever, severe body ache, chills, headaches, rashes, and pain behind the eyes are all red flags. Dengue can lead to internal bleeding, while untreated malaria can become life-threatening. Residents are urged to use mosquito repellents, sleep under nets and clear stagnant water from around homes.

Leptospirosis: Often overlooked, this bacterial infection spreads through water contaminated by rat urine. Symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, vomiting and jaundice. If untreated, it can damage the kidneys and liver. Avoid walking barefoot through floodwater, and report any fever with body pain to doctors immediately.

Snakebites: As snakes seek dry ground, they often end up in homes or shelters. The key is not to panic or attempt traditional remedies. The bitten limb should be immobilised and the patient taken to hospital urgently for anti-venom treatment.

Steps to prevent disease

As recovery efforts continue, public health experts emphasise a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing further suffering.

Water safety is paramount: Boil all drinking water, or use chlorine tablets. Avoid using water from open sources unless properly disinfected.

Food hygiene cannot be compromised: Discard any food that was touched by floodwater. Vegetables should be washed thoroughly — ideally with potassium permanganate — and meals should be cooked fresh.

Personal hygiene is key: Regular handwashing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet, must be encouraged, particularly among children.

Control mosquito breeding: Empty water from coolers, tyres, pots and other containers. Cover all water storage containers and use mosquito nets and repellents.

Proper sanitation is critical: Use toilets wherever available. If makeshift toilets are set up, they must be placed away from water sources and regularly cleaned with bleaching powder.

Never ignore symptoms: Fever, diarrhoea, or yellowing of the skin and eyes must be treated seriously. Early medical intervention can prevent complications and save lives.

2nd crisis can be prevented

While the flood may be over, its health impact could linger unless communities act fast. Dr Singh’s message is clear: public health must not take a back seat during the recovery phase. The coming weeks are critical.

As Punjab rebuilds homes and restores roads, it must also guard against a second crisis — this time not from rising waters, but from rising infections. The battle isn’t over yet, but with vigilance and basic precautions, it can be won.

- As told to Aparna Banerji