Lucknow: For a family in Subhas Chandra Bose Colony in Faizullaganj, the flood crisis is now a medical emergency. Their child has fallen ill, but with floodwaters still blocking access routes, they are waiting for a boat to take the child for treatment.The situation reflects the struggle the residents are facing in several flood-hit localities of the city, where waterlogging continues to affect access to food, drinking water, electricity and healthcare.Residents of Faizullaganj said several streets still remain inundated, with some reporting up to a foot of water inside their homes. Families with elderly members, children and sick relatives fear that medical emergencies could become difficult to handle as transport remains disrupted.There is some relief along Gomti. On the 15th day of the flood, the water level at Riverfront Park receded by about 1.5 feet. However, many residential areas continue to remain waterlogged.As the floodwater withdraws, residents and health experts are raising concerns about sanitation. Stagnant water, sewage contamination, accumulated garbage and animal waste could pose fresh health risks in affected neighbourhoods.In Faizullaganj, residents reported cases of fever, itching and stomach ailments. A health camp reportedly examined over 240 people. In Misri Bagh, residents complained of stagnant water mixed with sewage and animal waste.“The rise in fever cases highlights the need for continued medical surveillance and sanitation measures,” said Nankau from Daud Nagar. He said health risks associated with post-flood conditions include waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid and hepatitis A, as well as mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya.Social activist Mamta Tripathi said flooding affects far more than homes. “It destroys food stocks, damages household belongings and disrupts access to safe drinking water and electricity,” she said. She demanded the situation be declared a disaster and Rs 5 lakh be given as compensation to people.For many residents, the immediate concern remains basic survival: access to food, clean water, healthcare and safe living conditions as the city begins its recovery from the floods.Meanwhile, LMC announced plans to implement an intensive post-flood cleanup drive in Zones 3 and 6 as water levels recede. Municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar has directed officials to begin desilting and cleaning affected streets and drains using mud pumps.Based on GIS mapping, affected areas have been divided into sectors, with officials assigned responsibilities for each sector and supervisors appointed for every lane. The civic body estimates that 400-500 additional sanitation workers may be required, with extra manpower to be mobilised from other zones.The drive will prioritise sludge removal, drainage, sanitation and public health measures to restore normalcy in flood-affected neighbourhoods.
