UP: Floodwater recedes in Kushinagar, health department teams begin relief work

Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 30 (ANI): The water level of the Narayani Gandak River, which flows through Kushinagar district, started to decrease on Monday, bringing some relief to the flood-affected villages. Several villages, including Salikpur, Vishesharpur, and Mahadeva, have seen floodwaters recede, allowing residents to begin returning to their homes. However, many villages remain submerged, and the recovery process is ongoing.

Villagers in flood-hit areas expressed relief as water levels fell. “People were worried, their tied animals and small children had gone away. Water has drained out this morning, and people are now starting to come back,” said Dharamveer Yadav, a flood victim from Mahadeva village. He added that some medical teams had visited to check on the health of the people.

Dr. Suresh Pataria, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Kushinagar, said that health department teams are actively working in the affected villages. “The water had suddenly increased due to recent rains. Our team is visiting villages, setting up camps, and providing treatment to affected people,” Pataria said. He also mentioned that with the decrease in water levels, there is a high possibility of an increase in diseases, so they are fully prepared by providing medicines, anti-snake venom, and anti-rabies treatment.

The CMO also noted that the health department is on full alert to prevent the spread of diseases. “With the decrease in water, there is a high possibility of diseases increasing. For that, I have alerted my entire team. We are fully prepared with medicines and medical equipment, including ambulances and a medical mobile unit,” he added. The mobile unit, equipped with doctors, medicines, and testing equipment, is visiting flood-affected areas every day to provide necessary medical care.

Many villagers remain concerned about the long-term impact of the flood. Bhim Bali, a resident of Mahadeva, speaking to ANI said, “It was a terrible flood. We were on the dam for days with little food and help. Today, there is some relief as the water has started to recede. The government is trying to help, but more support is needed.”

Both Yadav and Bali added that government officials, including the local Lekhpal, have been visiting the affected areas to make lists of the people for relief distribution. “Lekhpal has come here, making a list so that food and essentials can be delivered to the people who are still struggling,” Yadav said.

While some relief has arrived, the situation remains critical for many. With the rainy season ongoing, residents are hopeful that the floodwaters will not return. “We didn’t expect so much water to come. This is the worst flood we’ve seen in 45 years,” Yadav added.

The health department and local administration continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that villagers receive necessary aid and medical support during the recovery process.