Srinagar, Jul 23: Amid persistent rainfall and the looming threat of floods across several parts of Kashmir, the Health Department has issued a public health advisory urging residents throughout the Valley to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves from weather-related illnesses and accidents.
The advisory comes as heavy rains continue to lash various districts, causing waterlogging, rising water levels in rivers and streams, and increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides and water-borne diseases.
The Health Department has appealed to people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near rivers, streams, flood-prone areas, landslide-prone locations and waterlogged roads. Residents have also been advised to stay updated with official weather advisories and strictly follow instructions issued by the district administrations and emergency response agencies.
To prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid and hepatitis A and E, the department has urged people to drink only safe, boiled or chlorinated water. Maintaining proper hand hygiene by washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet has also been stressed.
The advisory further recommends consuming only freshly cooked food and avoiding stale or contaminated food, as flooding often increases the risk of food contamination.
Parents have been asked to keep children away from floodwater and stagnant water to reduce the risk of infections, injuries and drowning.
Residents have also been advised to wear protective footwear while walking through wet or flooded areas to prevent skin infections and diseases such as leptospirosis. The department cautioned people to ensure that electrical appliances and wiring remain dry and warned against touching electrical equipment with wet hands or while standing in water to avoid electrocution.
Special precautions have been advised for vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, senior citizens, young children and people suffering from chronic illnesses, as they are more susceptible to health complications during adverse weather conditions.
The Health Department has urged people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, injuries or any other serious health concerns.
Reiterating its appeal for public cooperation, the department urged residents across Kashmir to remain alert, be prepared for any eventuality, keep emergency contact numbers readily available and prioritise health and safety until the weather conditions improve. It emphasized that timely precautions and adherence to official advisories can significantly reduce health risks during the ongoing spell of inclement weather—(KNO)
