Floods have hit parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Even if not large scale – but water and sanitation risks remain.
● Problems
▪︎ Drinking water (wells, handpumps, taps) may be contaminated.
▪︎ Sewage and runoff can mix with supply or shallow wells.
▪︎ Standing water quickly becomes mosquito breeding ground.
▪︎ Food, stores and shops exposed to floodwater can spoil.
▪︎ Wounds or cuts in floodwater risk infection or leptospirosis.
▪︎ Damp homes encourage mould and respiratory issues.
▪︎ Blocked drains and debris slow drainage and prolong standing water.
▪︎ Dead animals and rubbish attract pests and spread pathogens.
● Practical advice for people
▪︎ Don’t drink untreated water. Boil for 1 minute or use trusted purification tablets/filters.
▪︎ If unsure, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
▪︎ Throw away food that touched floodwater or was wet for long.
▪︎ Wash hands often with soap, especially before cooking/eating.
▪︎ Avoid wading in floodwater with bare feet or open cuts; clean and cover any wounds.
▪︎ Dry and ventilate damp rooms; remove wet mattresses/soft items if possible.
▪︎ Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning debris; disinfect surfaces afterwards.
▪︎ Use mosquito nets/repellent and remove small pools around the house.
▪︎ Check tetanus vaccination status; seek care for deep cuts or signs of infection.
▪︎ Seek medical help for high fever, bloody diarrhoea, jaundice, or severe dehydration.
● Things useful for authorities / community response (suggestions)
▪︎ Test and confirm drinking-water safety quickly; inform the public clearly.
▪︎ Provide chlorinated or safe water points where needed.
▪︎ Flush and repair piped supply; inspect and protect wells.
▪︎ Clear drains, remove debris and coordinate waste/carcass removal.
▪︎ Run rapid surveillance for diarrhoea, leptospirosis and jaundice; set up basic treatment points.
▪︎ Distribute ORS and basic medicines in affected neighbourhoods.
▪︎ Start targeted mosquito control and larval source reduction.
▪︎ Share simple, repeated public messages: boil water, throw wet food, keep wounds clean, report clusters of illness.
▪︎ Map and prioritise high-risk areas for sanitation help and temporary shelter.
