JALANDHAR: Problem of skin diseases and drinking water are faced by the people in the flood-ravaged area of Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts.

A team of doctors visiting the area told that a large number of people, who have been walking across floodwaters in different villages, have complained of persisting itching. Many of them have been suffering from scabies caused by floodwater that has started stinking. People of affected villages have complained that the floodwater had a high quantum of chemicals that has led to skin problems. Breaches in the Sutlej, which is one of the most polluted rivers of the state, have caused floods in a vast area of Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts.

Villagers say there is one rivulet known as Chitti Bein. Most of the industrialists release untreated effluents from their units in that rivulet. Water of Chitti Bein flowed in the Sutlej, thus further enhancing the toxicity and chemical content in it and causing problems to people in flood-affected villages.

As swarms of mosquitoes have appeared on the sheet of stagnant floodwater at various places, people say they have apprehension that malaria will be another disease that will hit them in days to come. “Medical authorities should be vigilant in this regard,” said a young collegiate boy, who had raised several questions regarding the medical help provided by the Health Department in flood-affected villages.