Apprehensions of epidemics in flood-ravaged North Bihar

Patna, Sep 7 (UNI) Even as the water level of the turbulent Kosi was receding gradually, bringing relief to millions of marooned people of North Bihar, the fear of an outbreak of epidemics was looming large.

With the receding flood water, the probabilities of outbreak of epidemics were high in the relief camps and villages of the flood-affected districts.

Several cases of diarrohea and other water-borne diseases were being reported in the camps where the victims were getting medical aid.

Besides medicines, the relief camps providing shelter to the rescued people were in dire need of paramedical staff, trained nurses and doctors to treat the patients as their numbers were bulging.

The state government, several NOGs and voluntary organisations have taken measures to combat the situation. Besides medicines and ambulances, the other required infrastructure had been arranged at the make-shift health camps.

Meanwhile, the medical fraternity had come forward in the hour of need and were rendering their services free of cost. The mobile health care units were also on the move in the flood affected villages.

Reports stated that the water level had receded in Madhepura town and the situation was improving fast in this worst-hit district.

Taking serious cognizance of the complaints received from several quarters against District Magistrate of Madhepura Rajesh Kumar for his alleged reluctance in looking after the relief and rescue operations, the state government removed him from the post and transferred Atish Chandra, Managing Director of the COMPFED, there.

Mr Kumar has been made director of the ICDS.

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