HAILAKANDI, June 23 - Fearing outbreak of disease and epidemics in the aftermath of the devastating floods in south Assam�s Hailakandi district, health authorities here have claimed there has been no significant increase in any communicable disease after the water receded.
In a bid to prevent any outbreak of epidemics, 71 medical teams, including a 10-member team of specialists from Silchar Medical College and Hospital and Karimganj have been deployed in the flood-affected areas.
Joint Director of Health Services Dr Avijit Basu disclosed that the teams are now focusing on severely affected areas like Bakrihower and Panchgram areas.
Of the 22,000 flood-affected people treated, only four percent were afflicted with diarrhoea and dysentery, while 14 per cent were suffering from various skin diseases.
�As of today, there is no outbreak of epidemics. We are closely monitoring the situation and have alerted our doctors and health personnel to report at once any case of infectious diseases of five or more persons in any part of the district,� said Dr Basu, adding that the district is well prepared to tackle any exigency.
District Media Expert Monika Das said that static and mobile medical camps, including boat clinics have been deployed to ensure that people can be screened and provided with treatment and other medical needs for probable illnesses and communicable diseases like fever, diarrhoea and the sort.
�We know that in a situation of this kind, we need to monitor continuously till we reach a safe zone. To achieve these objectives, we are closely working in tandem with the district administration and other concerned departments,� she added.
The district administration headed by Adil Khan too has pitched in by providing 10 vehicles and 10 boats to the health authorities to ensure mobility.
The health authorities maintained that while the flood-hit people have no need to panic, however, they must continue to ensure they drink safe, chlorinated water and consume hygienic food, avoid walking in stagnant water and frequently wash their hands.
In case of a fever, diarrhoea or dysentery, the people must not resort to self-medication, but seek help from medical practitioners.
In the meantime, the deluge affected over three lakh population and rendered many homeless. Two persons lost their lives.
Fortunately, the flood situation has vastly improved in the district. Only 45 villages are still under water, 40 of them in Algapur revenue circle alone and five in Hailakandi Revenue Circle.Three relief camps were opened in Algapur Revenue Circle accommodating 16,411 inmates. All the relief camps under Hailakandi, Lala and Katlicherra revenue circles have been closed down.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is scheduled to take stock of the flood situation today evening. He will hold a high- level review meeting with officials of the district administration.
