Heavy rainfall has brought in fresh troubles for the city of Mumbai yet again. On Tuesday, 2 July, at least 18 people were killed and over 75 left injured after walls collapsed on hutments in Mumbai’s Malad East and Kalyan, ANI reported. Rescue operations are underway.
In the wake of heavy rains, the Maharashtra government declared a public holiday in Mumbai on Tuesday, 2 July. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on 1 July also requested Mumbaikars to be cautious and patient during this season.
Mumbai received 375 mm of rainfall on Monday, 1 July, making it the maximum July downpour that the city has seen over a 24-hour period, breaking the record of 1974.
Heavy rainfall often brings with it several diseases and infections. Here’s how you could safeguard yourself against them.
Protection Against Water-Borne Diseases
Don’t consume anything that may have been in contact with the rainwater. Freshly cooked food and dry rations should be consumed as much as possible.
Speaking to FIT earlier, Dr Sumit Ray, Vice Chairperson, Critical Care and Emergency Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, points out that water-borne diseases are one of the primary concerns in regions which experience heavy rainfall.
Diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera and typhoid are common occurrences in such a scenario. One way to avoid this can be to be very particular about clean drinking water. If it’s not possible to always ensure a clean supply of drinking water, chlorine tablets can be added to the water before consumption.Dr Sumit Ray
It is also important to ensure, in as many cases as possible, that the source of drinking water is upstream from the sewage disposal flow, he added.
Protection Against Moisture and Electric Shocks
If the ceilings or the walls are wet, switch off fans and avoid using switchboards. Also maintain distance from wires and electric appliances (which should be turned off). Water, being a good conductor of electricity, increases chances of shock.
Additionally, sheets of aluminium foil should be placed between furniture and wet carpet.
Taking Precautions Against Mosquito, Fly-Borne Diseases
Another important concern during the rains is the outbreak of fly- and mosquito-borne diseases like typhoid and diarrhoea. It is important to ensure that water is not allowed to stagnate anywhere. Mosquito nets should be employed as much as possible, emphasised Dr Ray.
Avoid stepping out when it is raining heavily and if you must, then use a long stick/pole to check for ditches or man-holes while walking.
(With media inputs)
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