Sanitation major issue for  displaced families in Lohian

Days after floodwaters submerged Dhakka Basti village, nearly 90 displaced families are now living in makeshift tarpaulin shelters on the bundh, enduring scorching heat and humid conditions, no proper sanitation, and fear of insects and snakes.

Women and young girls in particular said the access to basic sanitation had become a struggle. Many people said they were relieving themselves in the open during early morning hours or go to a nearby religious place or others' homes, which was not comfortable at all.

Shahkot SDM Shubhi Angra said: "We have requested people to move to official relief centres set up in Lohian block. These centres are equipped with separate toilet facilities for men and women."

Children as young as two to five years old were seen sitting with their families under cramped tarpaulin tents, gasping for fresh air in the heat. Belongings are piled up in limited space, with little area to rest.

Among them is five-year-old Ansh, son of a daily-wage worker. When their home flooded, he had to leave behind his favourite pink teddy bear. The toy was today found torn by floodwaters, but Ansh insisted on retrieving it. Accompanied by his mother, he returned to their home to find it — a moment of joy amidst the hardship.

Living amid such conditions is also taking a toll on health. Bhupinder Kaur, a woman in her early twenties, has been running a fever for the past three days. Though she received her treatment from medical teams, she said, “Living here is extremely difficult. But this isn’t new. We faced the same ordeal two years ago as well.”

Despite the dire situation, villagers acknowledged that relief supplies — including food, water, and medicines — are being provided by the administration and various NGOs.