Flood-hit Balasore villages in grip of drinking water crisis

LACK of access to safe drinking water has emerged as a major concern for flood-hit villagers in six blocks of the coastal district.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Balasore

Six days after Subarnarekha river breached its banks, residents of low-lying areas in Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleswar, Basta, Remuna and Balasore Sadar blocks are struggling to access clean water.

Rebati Dey of Bhograi said while tap water supply has been stopped, the tube-wells are submerged in floodwater. "We are forced to use contaminated water for our daily chores. Though there is the risk of water-borne diseases, we have no other option," she rued.

Dey further said ASHA and anganwadi workers have started distributing medicines and halogen tablets in some areas. But the workers are not able to reach panchayats which are marooned by the floods.