Chandigarh: While floodwaters are slowly retreating in Punjab, the danger is far from over. In the wake of the deluge, public health officials are warning of a new crisis, an expected surge in disease outbreaks due to unsanitary post-flood conditions.
The Punjab Health Department has issued a public health alert citing serious risks of waterborne, foodborne, and vector-borne illnesses. Among the diseases likely to spike in the coming days are cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and E, diarrhoea, and skin infections, alongside mosquito-driven illnesses such as dengue and malaria.
Contaminated Water Sources a Major Concern
The health advisory highlights how floodwaters may have contaminated common water sources, such as handpumps, wells, and piped supplies, due to sewage overflow, decomposing animal matter, and agricultural runoff. Residents in affected areas have been urged not to consume untreated water under any circumstances.
“Traditional water supplies are no longer safe,” the department warned, stressing that boiling water is essential. “Water should be brought to a rolling boil and left to cool naturally—do not add ice or refrigerate prematurely,” it stated.
Health officials advised prioritizing boiled water for infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Where boiling is not practical, alternative purification methods or bottled water should be used if available.
Stagnant Water Fuels Mosquito Breeding
The aftermath of the floods has left behind pools of stagnant water, ideal for mosquito breeding. This has heightened the threat of a dengue and malaria outbreak, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where drainage infrastructure is limited.
The state government has directed local bodies, panchayats, and health workers to step up anti-larval measures, including chemical spraying in vulnerable zones. Panchayat secretaries, Block Development Officers (BDOs), and sarpanches have been asked to lead cleanup operations and ensure timely drainage. (Punjab Floods)
Poor Sanitation and Food Safety Add to Woes
With many areas still lacking access to proper sanitation and safe food storage, the possibility of foodborne illnesses remains high. Officials have urged people to avoid consuming perishable or uncooked items and to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before use.
Temporary shelters and relief camps, housing many displaced families, have also come under scrutiny for overcrowding and lack of hygiene, prompting calls for regular disinfection and medical surveillance.
Preventive Measures Underway
Mobile medical teams have been deployed in some of the worst-hit districts, and awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate residents about personal hygiene, safe drinking practices, and disease symptoms. (Punjab Floods)
