Jamshedpur, July 27 : The bright sunshine on Thursday brought a ray for hope for the people of the city as water started receding from low lying areas. The clear blue sky gave enough hints for a rain free day.
Drawing lessons from the past the district administration also embarked on a drive to deal with the fear of diarrhea outbreak, which is looming large over the water drenched areas.
The officials are conducting round the clock visit in the areas inundated by swelling of Subernarekha and Kharkhai rivers at Bagbera, Mango, Shastrinagar and Jugsalai areas.
Officials of health department said that they are worried as two of the worst affected areas in the recent viral epidemic Bagbera and Mango localities had large areas inundated by the flash flood like situation.
An official said that the local urban bodies namely Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC), Mango Notified Area Committee (MNAC), Jugsalai municipality and corporate sector Jusco providing civic amenities in Tata Steel command areas have been asked to initiate fogging in the areas on war footing.
�We are concerned about the situation and working hard to ensure that as the water gets receded steps are taken to combat the fear of epidemic,� he noted.
Health officials said that the situation in some areas was prone to spread of water-borne diseases, including gastroenteritis, cholera, malaria and skin infections.
Though the water is such areas started receding since Wednesday, but a large chunk of land in the low-lying areas faces problem of water logging.
The residents are extremely worried because the sewerage systems have suffered serious damages paving way for unhygienic conditions.
�The situation is not alarming and teams of doctors, para medical staff will be engaged to ensure safety,� said another district official.
Hospitals in the city are reporting an increased incidence of gastroenteritis (GE) and cases with symptoms of cholera. Water contamination, especially in low-lying areas that were inundated in the recent rain, is said to be the reason.
As part of the relief work oral rehydration salts (ORS) solutions are being distributed at Baghbera and at temporary shelters in Shastrinagar and Mango areas.
Flood victims to get compensation within 24 hours: DC
Administration enhances security of bridges and culverts in the district
The deputy commissioner of East Singhbhum Amit Kumar here on Thursday issued a directive to the officers in-charge of all police stations in the district to ensure the security of all bridges and culverts in their respective areas. He said the police should take the assistance of home guards and chowkidars and also press into duty the patrolling parties to keep a vigil on the bridges and culverts in view of the flood situation.
Kumar said the police department should immediate seek the help of district administration through their senior officers.
Officials said the bridges and culverts in the flood-affected low-lying areas of the district were under tremendous pressure. Anti-social elements may take advantage of the situation.
The DC also ordered measures for giving relief to the people affected by continuous downpour across the district. He said relief should be provided to the affected families without any delay. He asked the district officials concerned to ensure relief and rehabilitation of the victims. He said the compensation amount should be given to the victims within 24 hours.
Kumar said the district administration had initiated measures to provide adequate relief to the people displaced by the flash floods in the various parts of East Singhbhum. He said those requiring administrative assistance should contact district administration officials without fail.
