People in flood-hit Balasore District face acute shortage of potable water

Balasore (Orissa), June 25 : People in flood-hit Balasore district of Orissa are facing acute shortage of potable water, as wells and other facilities have been polluted because of floods.

What reigns high in Orissa nowadays is floodwater, which is all pervading. Floods submerged the region after three days of incessant downpour with a record rainfall of 700-milimeters.

But, ironically, people are facing acute shortage of drinking water.

The villagers of Balasore tried to make the water drinkable, but without success.

"In our area, tube wells are submerged and flood water has entered the wells. Consequently, water has become unsafe for drinking. We tried to purify the water ourselves but still it's not potable," said Gagan Mishra, villager.

As of now, there seems to be no immediate solution for the problem and people are compelled to drink the dirty water.

"We are facing problem of drinking water. All the sources of drinking water got polluted because of floods. We are forced to drink that water," said Labang, another villager.

The State Administration has sent medical and water-purifying teams in the flood-affected region of the state.

"The health teams along with water purification teams are fanned out in all the five districts. The boats of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) have also been used to put the medical teams and water purification teams at the right places so that they can take care of health and the drinking water issues. We have also mobilized drinking water through pouches. Voluntary and Panchayati Raj institutions have also been pressed into service. We are hopeful that the situation will definitely come under control," said Nikunj Sunderay, special relief commissioner.

With the water receding now and the authorities stepping up relief and rehabilitation work, one can hope that the present situation does not last long.

ANI