Prayagraj: As the Ganga and Yamuna continued to recede on Wednesday, concerns about the spread of diseases remained high in flood-affected areas due to the presence of filth, mud, foul odour and aquatic plants.Residents of Daraganj, Nagvasuki Road and adjoining areas have requested the health department and district administration to commence sanitation works once the floodwater recedes completely. Ashish Tiwari of Daraganj said: “Residents heave a sigh of relief as the water level of the twin rivers is continuously receding. But the post-flood scene is giving sleepless nights to all. Most of us are apprehensive and do not want to return until the area is properly cleaned.”Another resident Ashok Kumar said: “You can’t imagine the condition of a house inundated for three days. It would be difficult for us to stay. We will have to work hard to get back to our routine.” While the water level of the Ganga at Phaphamau and Chatnag was receding by 8cm and 12cm in the past four hours respectively, Yamuna’s water was going down by 8cm in same period at Naini. The water level of the Ganga at Phaphamau and Chatnag was 81.57m and 80.54m respectively till 4pm. At Naini, the Yamuna was flowing at 81.12m. The danger mark for both rivers is 84.73m.Residents asserted that the fear of floods has undoubtedly ebbed for now, but the threat of an epidemic in low-lying areas has left them in a catch-22 situation. Residents claimed the floods can not increase the transmission of water-borne communicable diseases such as typhoid, cholera and hepatitis.The district officials have assured flood-hit families that they will undertake cleaning exercises, round-the-clock sanitation, and ensure the availability of daily items once they return to their homes. Voluntary organisations have also assured the provision of medicines and essential commodities to the residents.
