Rains gain strength in Indore, officials on guard for disease outbreak

As meteorological department predicted light to moderate rains in next 24 hours in and around Indore, the health department has stepped up surveillance to monitor any outbreak of diseases such as dengue, malaria and cholera.

Moderate to heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning occurred in Indore on Wednesday.

Indore and its neighbouring districts, including Dewas, Ujjain, Barwani, Burhanpur and Khandwa, received rains for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. (Arun Mondhe/HT photo)

There was rain for the second consecutive day in Indore and neighbouring districts including Dewas, Ujjain, Barwani, Burhanpur and Khandwa.

Rain brought down mercury as Indore recorded maximum temperature of 33.5 degrees Celsius - two degrees below normal. The minimum temperature at 23.8 degrees Celsius was normal. Morning and evening humidity was 90% and 58%, respectively.

As meteorological department predicted light to moderate rains in next 24 hours in and around city, the health department has stepped up surveillance to monitor any outbreak of diseases such as dengue, malaria and cholera.

34 teams formed to inspect areas for mosquito larvae

“We have already formed around 34 teams which will inspect areas for mosquito larvae,” district malaria officer Dr MC Jinwal said.

These teams will inspect houses, public places and parks to ensure that water is not left stagnant in the open for eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

There are reports saying mosquito larvae were found at houses and public spots. Officials of the integrated disease surveillance project and the anti-malaria department are jointly conducting inspections

An awareness programme is also being run to alert people about cleanliness to prevent vector borne diseases.

“We are running the programme as rainy season is critical...Diseases are reported during and after the rains. From distributing chlorine balls to ORS (oral rehydration solution) packets, all steps are being taken,” chief medical and health officer Dr S Porwal said.