Prayagraj: After a week of devastating flooding, thousands of families in Prayagraj are finally returning to their homes as the water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers gradually recede at an estimated rate of 2 cm per hour.
While this marks a relief for the flood-affected, public health experts warn that the aftermath of the floods poses serious hygiene and disease risks for returning residents.
The streets and lanes of submerged neighborhoods are now buried under layers of mud, silt, and accumulated garbage. Stagnant water and heaps of filth create ideal conditions for mosquito-borne illnesses, viral infections, and waterborne diseases.
Residents returning home are at heightened risk of contracting diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, hepatitis, and gastrointestinal infections if timely sanitation and medical measures are not implemented.
Despite municipal claims that cleaning operations have begun, residents describe the efforts as insufficient and largely symbolic. Experts emphasize the urgent need for massive cleanup drives, pesticide spraying, fogging, and disinfection to prevent outbreaks in flood-affected areas.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Deependra Yadav acknowledged that water is receding slowly but assured that additional sanitation staff would be deployed. He also confirmed that pesticide spraying and fogging operations will be undertaken to curb potential health hazards.
Over the past two days, 94 families have returned from relief camps. Earlier, five camps housed 354 families; now only 260 remain.
The Regal Guest House in Rajapur, which accommodated 18 families, has been fully vacated. Other operational camps include the Cantt Guest House, Annie Besant School, Mahboob Ali Inter College, and Rishikul Senior Secondary School.
Authorities predict that if water levels continue to fall, all relief camps will be empty within three days.
The Irrigation Department’s flood control room reports that a lack of rainfall in the catchment areas of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers is aiding the receding water levels. Additionally, the reduction in water flow from the Tons River is helping accelerate the decrease downstream.
Between Saturday 8 AM and Sunday 8 AM, Ganga water levels fell by 48 cm at Fafamau and 50 cm at Chatnag, while the Yamuna decreased by 54 cm at Naini.
As of Sunday morning, water levels were 83.14 meters at Fafamau, 82.18 meters at Chatnag, and 82.67 meters at Naini.
While the falling water levels provide hope for resuming normal life, residents must remain vigilant about sanitation and personal hygiene.
Proper disposal of waste, cleaning of homes, and preventive medical measures will be critical to avoid a secondary health crisis in the wake of the floods.
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