As J&K flood waters recede, civic problems come to fore

The joint effort by the Army, Indian Air Force and National Defence Response Force have rescued 1,84,000 people in the flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir. But with the receding flood waters, civic problems have now come to the fore. Stagnant water in the state may lead to an outbreak of water-borne diseases. The filth that has accumulated across the Valley, including carcasses of animals, along with lack of clean drinking water posed a serious challenge to health authorities which have issued advisories, rushed doctors, paramedics and medicines and were carrying out mass immunisation against measles. The Centre has also been sounded to dispatch more assistance. Over 1 lakh people are still marooned in the worst floods witnessed by the state in six decades that has claimed over 200 lives. One of the youngest victims of the floods was a new born baby, who died due to lack of medicines. Thousands of people across the state were in need of urgent medical attention. Meanwhile, Srinagar continues to battle fuel shortages, defunct ATM machines and scanty medical supplies. The Srinagar Police have now restored its communications system in the flood-affected areas. The Army and Border Roads Organisation said it could take at least four days to re-open the Jammu Srinagar Highway. There has been a lot of anger against the administration as many believed that the Omar Abdullah government has failed to provide relief. The Chief Minister meanwhile, has urged people not to fall prey to rumour mongering. Abdullah said, "Please don't go by the rumours. The death toll from drowning is less than 30. This is not the time to spread rumours and fear." While the rescue efforts continue, the state's economy has been hit hard by the devastating floods. According to initial estimates of industry body Assocham, the floods have caused an immediate loss of Rs 5400-Rs 5700 crore to the state's economy. The initial estimated loss to hotel, trade, agriculture, road and bridges itself is of Rs 2,630 crore. High-cost infrastructure like railways, power and communication have suffered a loss of about Rs 2700- Rs 3000 crore.