Pune: With the heavy rains subsiding and floodwaters receding, Pune now faces a significant challenge in dealing with the aftermath.
Areas affected by the floodwaters are left with large amounts of mud, contaminated water, and decaying waste, creating a breeding ground for waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, leptospirosis, jaundice, typhoid, and cholera.
Floodwaters have inundated numerous homes, society parking areas, and shops, resulting in muddy conditions. Medical experts advise residents to avoid walking barefoot or with open wounds in such water and to take preventive measures against leptospirosis.
Water storage tanks in society parking areas have been contaminated with debris, silt, and mud, posing a severe threat to clean drinking water.
Improperly cleaned tanks can lead to water contamination and the spread of infectious diseases such as jaundice, cholera, and typhoid, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
The risk of respiratory disorders has also risen as floodwaters have affected house walls, leading to mold growth. Inhalation of this mold can cause allergies, respiratory disorders, and cough. Therefore, cleaning and painting the interiors of houses is necessary.
The Municipal Corporation’s drinking water has turned muddy, forcing residents to buy water. The flood debris has been collected but partially left behind by Corporation workers, heightening the risk of infectious diseases. The administration is urged to take note and assist in cleaning efforts, says Urmila Sable of Patil Estate.
The risk of waterborne diseases increases after floodwaters recede. Stagnant water can harbor leptospirosis bacteria, which can be transmitted to humans through the urine of rats, cats, and other animals, raising the risk of leptospirosis.
Immediate measures by the Municipal Corporation are necessary to address this issue, states Dr. Avinash Bhondve, former President of IMA, Maharashtra State.
In humid conditions, bacteria and viruses multiply rapidly. The absence of sunlight due to rain prolongs dampness, creating an environment conducive to disease spread, thus increasing the risk of various infectious diseases.
Health workers are spraying disinfectants in waterlogged areas. No cases of leptospirosis have been reported yet, but all medical officers of the Municipal Corporation have been informed to monitor the situation.
Residents are advised not to walk in water with open wounds and to boil and filter drinking water, advises Dr. Suryakant Devkar, Assistant Health Officer, Pune Municipal Corporation.