Imphal, October 16 2010: Heavy flooding in valley areas that struck a week back has left hundreds of residents with the danger of catching serious illnesses.

Many low-lying areas are still under water even after seven days had passed since flooding occurred in parts of Imphal east, Imphal west, Thoubal and Bishnupur district.

When this Hueiyen Lanpao reporter toured some of the flood affected areas, around 50 residents of Bashikhong Kongba Irong areas were found infected by an eye disease.

Fear of contracting the disease, other uninfected residents were found using dark tinted sunglasses with the belief that it would protect their eyes from infection.

With regard to the symptoms infected residents say that at first the eyes turn red, then start to swell and ache.

As these symptoms were prevalent to the people residing in the flooded areas, they believe that it is linked to the floodwater.

People taking shelter at the relief camps opened at Bashikhong Meira Club, Bashikhong Panthoibi Youth Club and Lilong Arapti were also found suffering from cough, fever, diarrhoea, scabies, etc.

Even though they were suffering from unhygienic living conditions and unsafe drinking water, no government agency has taken up protective measure so far, they said.

As the place is still water logged drinking water is being fetched from the adjoining locality, Kiyamgei, through a small pipe.

Staff of the Primary Health Centre at Bashikhong conducted a health check up of the flood affected people but the medicines they supply free of cost have not been able to cure the diseases suffered them as the supplies were nominal and far less than the prescribed quantity.

A total of 1506 people are taking shelter at the relief camp at Pantohibi Youth Club, 291 at Meira Club, Bashikhong and 150 at Lilong Arapti.

Even though government had provided some relief materials, but these could not meet the needs of the affected people.

Despite, the woes being faced by the residents, state health and family welfare minister, Ph Parijat said that his department has not yet received any complaint of outbreak of diseases in the flood affected areas.

However, he had instructed Chief Medical Officers of each district affected by floods to conduct a survey and to provide medicines to the needy.

So, far there were no distributions of medicines as they are yet to receive complaints from the people or local authorities.

Government is always ready to extend help to them, he said.

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