Flooding in Pune City Raises Concerns Over Water-Borne Diseases Amidst Recent Rains

Pune, 31st July 2024: Due to recent rains in Pune city, several areas have experienced flooding. This flooding poses a risk of increased water-borne and insect-borne diseases. While the spread of epidemics has already risen because of the rains, it is expected to worsen due to the flooding. In response, the Health Department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has implemented preventive measures in the affected areas.

Flooding primarily occurred along the riverbank area on Sinhagad Road. The increased discharge from the Khadakwasla Dam led to water entering many homes. Although the floodwaters have receded, water remains accumulated in several places, and roads are still submerged. This situation raises the risk of water-borne and insect-borne diseases. This month has seen a significant rise in dengue cases in the city, with Zika and chikungunya cases also on the rise. The number of patients is expected to increase further. In light of this, PMC Health Chief Dr Nina Borade, along with Deputy Health Officer Dr Kalpana Baliwant, Assistant Health Officer Dr Sanjeev Waware, and Dr Suryakant Devkar, inspected the flood-affected areas. The Chief Health Officer has directed all Assistant Health Officers, Circle, and Regional Medical Officers to implement preventive measures.

Flood-Affected Areas:
* Ekta Nagar, Vitthal Nagar Colony, Nimbaj Nagar, Anand Nagar in Sinhagad Road area
* Patil Estate, Pulachi Wadi in Shivajinagar
* Mangalwar Peth, Bhim Nagar are in Kasba Peth Ward Office

To curb the spread of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and winter fever, medicine is being sprayed to prevent mosquito breeding. Fumigation has been carried out in areas with high mosquito populations. Bottles of Medichlor medicine are being distributed to disinfect drinking water and prevent water-borne diseases. To address the risk of leptospirosis from contaminated floodwater, medical officers in municipal hospitals have been instructed to administer preventive medicine.

Dr Nina Borade, Head of Health at PMC, stated that mobile medical teams have been deployed to provide immediate healthcare to those in the flood-affected areas. A sufficient stock of medicines is available in all PMC clinics. Health department employees are conducting house-to-house visits in the affected areas and surveying patients.