Pune: Health Concerns Raised Due To Constant Flooding In City As Water Levels Rise, Water Borne Diseases SurgeÂ
Pune: Health Concerns Raised Due To Constant Flooding In City As Water Levels Rise, Water Borne Diseases Surge
31 July, 2024
The heavy rains in Pune have caused flooding in various parts of the city, which increases the chances of water-borne and insect-borne diseases. The rise in epidemics due to the rains is concerning, and the flooding exacerbates the situation. It’s good to know that the Health Department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking proactive steps by implementing preventive measures in the affected areas to address these health risks.
The recent flooding mainly impacted the riverbank region on Sinhagad Road. The increased water release from the Khadakwasla Dam caused water to enter many households. Even though the floodwaters have gone down, there are still areas with standing water, and some roads remain submerged. This situation increases the risk of diseases transmitted through water and insects. This month has witnessed a notable surge in dengue cases in the city, with Zika and chikungunya cases also rising. The number of patients is expected to climb further. In response, PMC Health Chief Dr. Nina Borade, along with Deputy Health Officer Dr. Kalpana Baliwant, Assistant Health Officer Dr. Sanjeev Waware, and Dr. Suryakant Devkar, inspected the affected areas. The Chief Health Officer has instructed all Assistant Health Officers, Circle, and Regional Medical Officers to implement preventive measures.
Flood-Affected Areas:
- – Ekta Nagar, Vitthal Nagar Colony, Nimbaj Nagar, Anand Nagar in the Sinhagad Road area
- – Patil Estate, Pulachi Wadi in Shivajinagar
- – In Kasba Peth Ward Office areas like Mangalwar Peth and Bhim Nagar.
Are receiving fumigation to control diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and winter fever. They are spraying medicine to stop mosquito breeding and giving out Medichlor bottles to disinfect drinking water and prevent water-borne illnesses.
To prevent the risk of leptospirosis from contaminated floodwater, medical officers at municipal hospitals have been directed to provide preventive medicine. Dr. Nina Borade, who leads the Health Department at PMC, mentioned that mobile medical teams are now active in offering immediate healthcare to individuals in the flood-affected regions. All PMC clinics have an ample supply of medicines. Health department staff are visiting homes in the affected areas and assessing patients.
