Health official reviews flood preparedness in Machhiwara

In view of the rising water level in the Sutlej and the looming threat of floods in low-lying areas, Assistant Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, Vivek Kataria, on Wednesday visited the flood-prone Dhulewal village in Machhiwara Sahib to personally review the ground situation and assess preparedness.

Dr Kataria also inspected the Dhussi Bandh on the Sutlej, where the situation is critical and instructed health teams to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. He emphasised that special attention must be given to prevent outbreaks of water-borne and vector-borne diseases, which commonly spread during floods due to contaminated water and unhygienic conditions.

During the inspection, he reviewed the availability of medicines, deployment of medical staff, stock of life-saving drugs and the emergency referral plan for shifting patients to higher health facilities, if required. He directed that ORS, chlorine tablets, anti-larval agents and fever management kits should remain sufficiently stocked in vulnerable areas.

Dr Kataria also told medical teams to conduct active surveillance for cases of diarrhoea, cholera, jaundice, dengue and malaria, and immediately report and respond to any suspected outbreaks. He urged frontline workers to strengthen door-to-door awareness regarding safe drinking water, personal hygiene, mosquito control and timely reporting of symptoms.