Time to focus on post-flood activities
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: June 06, 2025 -

THOUGH the gradual recession of water level of all the rivers has brought much-needed relief to the flood-affected people, government authorities cannot overlook the necessity for cranking up the machinery to contain outbreak of water-borne diseases, a common problem faced in the post-flood period.

Departments concerned should also take the initiatives for assessing the damage caused to dwelling houses, which bore the brunt of breached river banks', and standing crops, for providing commensurate compensation within short notice rather than the age-old practice of people affected by natural calamities receiving relief and rehabilitation packages belatedly due to official apathy.

In view of the similar flood situations likely to occur every year as a consequence of global warming, unchecked deforestation and vulnerability of the river banks, it is also desired that subject experts be consulted with to chalk up long-term flood prevention plans and projects, failing which a resource-starved state like ours would definitely suffer huge economic losses.

However, immediate institutional focus should be on providing daily essentials to the flood-ravaged communities and conducting medical camps to prevent water borne diseases.

With reports already confirming over 90 people infected with skin diseases, any inordinate delay in addressing the evolving health issues would only compound miseries of the flood-affected section of the population.

That the post-flood period merits immediate attention and intervention by the health department could be comprehended from the bulletin issued some days back by Health and Medical Response to Flood Situation of the Department confirming detection of at least 96 individuals with skin diseases caused due to the present flooding.

While it is commendable that the health department has constituted 16 Rapid Response Teams to assess health status of the flood-affected people staying in relief camps opened in Imphal East, Imphal West and Senapati, the worst-hit districts, mere diagnosis of the condition would not suffice in containing outbreak of water borne diseases as the situation necessitates large scale preventive measures.

With the flood-hit families preoccupied in salvaging whatever they could from the wreckage, and house reconstruction or restoration, departments concerned should engage adequate manpower to help those in need.

Notably, the flood crisis has brought to the fore benevolent characteristics of many individuals, indomitable spirit of volunteers of non-governmental organisations and committed civil societies.

On his part, Khurai MLA L Susindro has started distribution of relief items and promised to assist in reconstruction of houses damaged by the flash flood.

In this hour of crisis, there is urgent need for more legislators like Susindro in mitigating suffering of the distressed citizens.

MLAs of assembly segments unaffected by the flood calamity may also join hands in relief efforts on humanitarian ground.

At the departmental level, there should be no delay in releasing compensatory and relief assistance.

Pending proper resettlement of the flood-affected communities, civil society organisations and individuals must continue to reach out to those still facing inundation and to families currently accommodated at various relief camps, for the government alone cannot handle the situation.

It is also recommended that voluntary organisations step forward to help the affected families assess the damage suffered and submit relevant reports as sought by the government.