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| Floodwaters recede, disease threat rises in Jammu | | | Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 4: Even as floodwaters have started receding from most of the affected areas of Jammu province, authorities are now facing a fresh challenge — preventing the outbreak of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. Experts warn that stagnant water, contaminated supplies, and unhygienic conditions in several localities could trigger the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, jaundice, malaria, and dengue if urgent preventive measures are not taken.
Recognising the looming health threat, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched a 15-day special campaign across the Union Territory to curb the spread of infections in the aftermath of recent floods and landslides. The campaign aims to ensure safe potable water, restore sanitation, and spread awareness among people about precautionary measures.
As part of the initiative, intensive water quality testing is being carried out in flood-affected districts, especially where pipelines, borewells, and supply lines were submerged. Municipal bodies and the Public Health Engineering Department have been directed to ensure chlorination of water sources and distribute safe drinking water in vulnerable areas.
Health officials said field surveillance teams have been deployed to monitor high-risk areas and conduct health check-ups. Vector-control measures, including spraying of insecticides and fogging operations, have also been intensified in localities where waterlogging persists, to prevent mosquito breeding.
In addition, the Rural Development Department and Urban Local Bodies have launched sanitation drives to clear debris, unclog drains, and remove garbage to reduce the risk of contamination. Awareness campaigns through community workers, schools, and local media are also underway, urging people to boil water before consumption, use mosquito nets, and immediately report symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or prolonged fever to nearby health centres.
Officials admitted that while the immediate flood threat has subsided, public health remains at risk unless coordinated measures continue for several weeks. “The receding water has left behind stagnant pools, damaged sewerage systems, and contaminated pipelines. The risk of a disease outbreak is real, and the next 15 days are crucial,” a senior health official said.
Meanwhile, the administration has assured citizens that medical teams are on standby and medicines, including rehydration salts, antibiotics, and anti-malarial drugs, have been stocked adequately in district hospitals and primary health centres.
The government has urged residents of flood-affected areas to remain vigilant, maintain personal hygiene, and cooperate with health and sanitation teams to collectively overcome the post-flood health crisis. |
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