Fearing epidemic, people fleeing from flood-hit areas

Even after two weeks of catastrophic floods, the government has failed to dewater the residential and commercial areas of Srinagar city prompting people to flee from their homes for the possible outbreak of epidemic.

In dozens of localities in the city, where the flood water caused huge destruction to residential and commercial establishments, government machinery seems totally missing. Scores of people from Tengpora, Batamaloo, Padshahi Bagh, Rajbagh, Jawahar Nagar and many other localities are shifting to rented accommodation after abandoning their homes where the water remained stagnated , which may become cause for spread of diseases.

Most people prefer to seek rented accommodations in Rawalpora and Humhama areas, which by and large remained unaffected from the devastating floods.

“I have decided not to return to my home in Padshahi Bagh. The flood water had entered into second floor of our house.  Although the water has receded to the ground level, but it has stagnated around our house and stinks,” said Sheikh Manzoor of Padshahi Bagh.

He said they fear that the stagnant water in the area may lead to outbreak of diseases.  “No arrangements have been made by the health authorities to fumigate the area. SMC is also not working in the area to clean the garbage and filth”.

Ijaz Ahmad of Batamaloo, who was evacuated along with his five family members, said due to floods, the area is vulnerable to deadly diseases.

“I have shifted to a rented accommodation and am keeping close watch on measures taken by the government for sanitation in flood ravaged areas,” he said adding he has decided not to return to his home as of now.

Meanwhile, anger is brewing among people against government for its failure to dewater flooded areas.

City centre Lal Chowk, Batamaloo, Gani Khan, Maharaj Bazar, Jawahar Nagar, Bemina, Parimpora, Qamarwari, Indira Nagar  and many other areas are still under water, forcing people to stay in relief camps set at various places by volunteers.

In Jawahar Nagar some of the houses, which are under water, are now unsafe for living. Some boatman who ferry people to residential houses in the area told that five to six houses collapsed in last two days in Jawahar Nagar.