Floods in Jammu & Kashmir: Detailed Dos and Don’ts for Water, Food, and Health Safety

Umer Rashid

Floods are not just about rising waters , the real danger often comes after the water recedes. Contaminated wells, spoiled food, mosquito breeding, and hidden infections can silently threaten families and communities. A few simple precautions can make the difference between safety and illness. Clean water, safe food, proper hygiene, and quick medical care are the strongest shields in this time. Staying alert and sharing this knowledge with others is the key to protecting not just your home, but the entire community.

Floods, even when not widespread, bring hidden health dangers — contaminated drinking water, infections, pests, and poor sanitation. Below is a detailed guide of what to do and what to avoid to stay safe.

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✅ Dos for Residents

1. Drink Safe Water Only
   Always boil water for at least one minute before drinking. Boiling kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If boiling is not possible, use purification tablets or a trusted water filter.

2. Use Bottled Water When Unsure
   For drinking, brushing teeth, preparing baby formula, or washing vegetables, rely on sealed bottled water if available.

3. Wash Hands Frequently
   Use soap and clean water after using the toilet, before cooking, and before eating. Proper hand hygiene prevents diarrhoea, hepatitis, and cholera.

4. Keep Wounds Clean and Covered
   Wash cuts with clean water and antiseptic, then cover with a waterproof bandage. Floodwater carries bacteria that can cause tetanus or leptospirosis.

5. Dry and Ventilate Homes
   Open windows and doors to reduce dampness. Wet furniture, mattresses, and carpets can grow mould, which causes asthma, cough, and breathing problems.

6. Disinfect Surfaces After Cleaning
   Wear gloves and a mask while cleaning. Use disinfectants like bleaching powder solution (1 spoon in 1 litre water) for floors, walls, and utensils touched by floodwater.

7. Protect Against Mosquitoes
   Sleep under nets, apply mosquito repellent, and wear full-sleeve clothes. Empty buckets, pots, tyres, and other containers where water collects. Mosquitoes can spread dengue and malaria.

8. Check Tetanus Vaccination
   Make sure your tetanus shots are up-to-date. Flood injuries increase the risk of tetanus infection. Visit a health centre if uncertain.

9. Seek Medical Help for Danger Signs
   Go to a doctor immediately if you or family members develop high fever, yellow eyes/skin (jaundice), bloody diarrhoea, severe stomach cramps, or dehydration. These could signal hepatitis, cholera, or leptospirosis.

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❌ Don’ts for Residents

1. Don’t Drink Untreated Water
   Wells, handpumps, and taps may look clean but often carry sewage after floods. Avoid unless boiled or purified.

2. Don’t Eat Food Exposed to Floodwater
   Discard all fruits, vegetables, grains, and packaged items that got wet. Contaminated food carries dangerous germs.

3. Don’t Walk in Floodwater Barefoot
   Sharp objects, snakes, and harmful bacteria may be hidden in water. Always use boots or thick slippers if unavoidable.

4. Don’t Keep Damp Items Indoors
   Wet mattresses, carpets, and clothes encourage fungal growth. Remove them outside to dry or discard if badly soaked.

5. Don’t Ignore Illness
   A mild fever or stomach upset after floods may turn serious. Report symptoms early to avoid complications

Floods leave behind invisible dangers that can harm health long after the water recedes. Contaminated drinking water, mosquito breeding, spoiled food, damp homes, and infections from wounds are all common risks. By following the Dos and Don’ts carefully, families can protect themselves from diarrhoeal diseases, jaundice, leptospirosis, and respiratory problems. Quick medical care for early symptoms saves lives, while good hygiene, safe water, and clean surroundings prevent outbreaks. It is equally important to spread this information to neighbours, friends, and family members so that the whole community stays safe together.

This article has been compiled by Umer Rashid, a Kashmir-based journalist, using field observations, research inputs, and AI assistance. The accompanying images are also AI-generated to support public awareness