Heavy downpour adds to hardships of villagers as makeshift accommodation raises health and safety worries
Survivors sitting inside a container
On Sunday night, a heavy downpour and the deafening sound of rain hitting the containers’ leaky metal roofs left the landslide survivors sleepless in their makeshift accommodations. These almost-to-be-scrapped containers have been allotted to the victims, serving as temporary homes for the next three months.
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Speaking to mid-day, Madhav Maruti Supak, 24, recounted his survival amidst the tragedy. Unfortunately, his uncle and 11 other family members, including three-year-old Devika (alias Kinda), could not be saved. Only two out of the 11 bodies, including that of the three-year-old and his uncle Kirshad Pirkad, 28, have been recovered from the debris.
Broken and leaky containers cause discomfort to survivors
The survivors faced various challenges in the containers. Leaky roofs kept them awake during the rain, while no provisions were made for showers or warm water. Sunil Parde, 25, another survivor, also expressed discomfort with the half-cooked khichdi served for dinner on Sunday. However, the situation improved slightly with better meals on Monday. “We have been told that we will have to stay in the container for the next three months, till we get our permanent houses which will be constructed within 90 days, and hopefully till then we will have to manage with what we have,” said Sunil.
Highly placed sources informed mid-day that the local administration had sought 2 containers from two well known shipping companies, but they didn’t take the ones provided, as they had managed to arrange the required containers. Around 41 containers have been placed for accommodating the survivors, police, health officials, etc.
Safety concerns
Concerns have also been raised about the safety of survivors residing in these containers. Experts caution that the metal containers, being bad conductors of electricity, pose a risk along with the presence of open wires, gas cylinders, and other inflammable materials. Preventive measures and safety training for the survivors are essential to mitigate potential hazards.
Makeshift containers used as alternative accommodation for survivors
Communicable diseases
Dr Wiqar Shaikh, professor of Medicine at Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of hospitals expressed concern about the makeshift containers, fearing the spread of communicable diseases, especially during the monsoon season. Urgent and appropriate treatment, along with regular fumigation of toilets and containers, is necessary to keep diseases at bay.
Counsellor support
Founder President of Gram Sanvardhan Samajik Sanstha, Santosh Thakur, requested the local administration to prioritise the safety of the survivors and provide them with counselling support. He emphasised that the mental trauma endured by the survivors requires immediate attention. Despite attempts to contact Dr Yogesh Mhase, district collector of Raigad, no response was received.
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