Floods Wreak Havoc In Bihar, 73 Dead; Situation In Patna Remains Grim, Fear Of Epidemic Outbreak

After floods, residents of Patna now fear for outbreak of epidemic with stagnant rain water emitting stench and animal carcasses floating around.

Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) workers spray bleaching powder in the water as a precautionary measure against waterborne diseases at flood-affected Rajendra Nagar area of Patna. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Bihar is facing the fury of monsoon as the relentless rain has submerged many parts of the state, causing havoc in the eastern region of India. Amid warnings of heavy rains, the flood situation in Bihar remained critical on Friday with the death toll touching 73. In the capital city of Patna, a large population facing flood fury. Areas such as Kankarbagh, Rajendra Nagar and its surrounding are still waterlogged. Meanwhile, relief and rescue operations are underway in several districts of the northern and eastern parts of the flood hit state. Fear of epidemic outbreak in waterlogged Patna After floods, residents of Patna now fear for outbreak of epidemic with stagnant rain water emitting stench and animal carcasses floating around. It has simply added to their woes of staying indoors for around a week, surrounded by 4-6 feet deep stinking water. People who were taking shelter at the roof are now leaving their homes. Several people have alleged that there was no arrangement from the government to provide drinking water and food. There seems no end to their miseries. There could be outbreak of diseases, like dengue, viral fever, jaundice, skin ailments, allergy and breathing problems.

A top health department officer said steps to prevent outbreak of diseases were being taken and teams of doctors would soon start visiting affected areas to provide medical aid. So far, no case of water-borne or communicable disease has been officially reported from any area. Waterlogging continues in various localities and government agencies have been trying to pump out the water. Watch | Patna fears epidemic as water logging continues for 7th day IMD predicts more rain Even as Bihar struggles to overcome the devastation of the recent floods, yet another heavy rainfall warning is in place for parts of Bihar, including Patna, on Friday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the region for today. IMD said that there is a cyclonic circulation over West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, while another circulation lies over western parts of Jharkhand and neighbourhood. These systems are causing thunderstorms and lightning and isolated heavy rainfall over east and northeast India (East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam and Meghalaya) during the next 2 or 3 days, IMD said. Also Watch | Ground report from Patna: Locals continue to protest Odisha offers to assist flood-stricken Bihar Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday spoke to his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar on the current flood situation in Bihar. Speaking over the phone this evening, the Chief Minister offered all possible help to the Bihar government in its efforts to manage the floods. Bihar is facing one of the worst floods in its history, following the relentless rains between September 27 and 30. (with inputs from agencies)