Introduction
Dehradun, often celebrated for its scenic beauty and serene lifestyle, recently faced a terrifying natural calamity — a sudden cloudburst leading to severe flooding across the district. Streets turned into rivers, homes were submerged, and public life came to a halt.
But amidst the visible destruction lies an invisible and escalating threat: the outbreak of flood-related diseases, particularly waterborne infections like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and dysentery.
This blog will uncover:
- What caused the floods
- How lives were affected
- The health crisis unfolding post-flood
- How to get immediate help from relevant doctors on Quickobook
- Prevention tips and expert care recommendations
What Caused the Dehradun Floods?
Heavy rainfall in a short span, also known as a cloudburst, triggered flash floods across multiple areas in Dehradun. Water levels in rivers surged, roads caved in, and drainage systems collapsed under pressure. Unplanned construction and clogged drains made the situation worse.
Health Fallout: A Flood of Diseases
Why Are Floods Dangerous for Health?
Floodwater often carries:
- Sewage and human waste
- Industrial chemicals and garbage
- Disease-causing microorganisms
When people come in contact with or consume contaminated water, it leads to dangerous infections — especially in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Common Waterborne Diseases & Which Doctors to Consult
1. Cholera, Diarrhea & Gastroenteritis
Floodwater often mixes with sewage, making water unfit for consumption.
Symptoms:
- Sudden watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Severe dehydration
Consult on Quickobook:
- General Physician for early treatment
- Gastroenterologist for persistent cases
- Pathologist for stool, CBC & dehydration tests
2. Typhoid Fever
A bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated water and food.
Symptoms:
- High fever
- Weakness, stomach pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
Consult on Quickobook:
- General Physician for antibiotics and fever management
- Gastroenterologist for digestive complications
- Diagnostic Lab to book Typhidot, Widal, LFT
3. Hepatitis A and E
Liver infection spread by consuming water or food contaminated with infected stool.
Symptoms:
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Fatigue and vomiting
Consult on Quickobook:
- Gastroenterologist for liver treatment
- Pathologist to book Liver Function Test (LFT), Bilirubin
- General Physician for initial diagnosis and care
4. Dysentery (Amoebic or Bacillary)
Often spreads in camps or crowded areas where hygiene is compromised.
Symptoms:
- Bloody or mucus-filled diarrhea
- Cramping abdominal pain
- Nausea, weakness
Consult on Quickobook:
- General Physician for hydration and antibiotics
- Pediatrician if child is affected
- Gastroenterologist if symptoms persist
5. Leptospirosis & Skin Infections
Caused by exposure to dirty water or infected animal urine during floods.
Symptoms:
- Fever, chills
- Skin rashes or peeling
- Eye redness
Consult on Quickobook:
- Dermatologist for skin rashes or wounds
- Infectious Disease Specialist for complex cases
- Lab Tests: Leptospira IgM, CRP
6. Mosquito-Borne Diseases (Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya)
Stagnant water left behind by floods becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Symptoms:
- High-grade fever
- Body aches and chills
- Skin rashes
Consult on Quickobook:
- General Physician for initial diagnosis
- Pathologist for tests like Dengue NS1, Malaria Parasite, Platelet Count
- Paediatrician for child-specific care
7. Mental Health Impact
Many people feel anxious, stressed, or traumatized after losing homes, belongings, or loved ones in floods.
Symptoms:
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression or emotional numbness
Consult on Quickobook:
- Psychiatrist for medication and clinical evaluation
- Psychologist for counselling and therapy sessions
- Online Mental Health Consultations for convenience during disaster
Quickobook’s Role in Flood Relief Health Support
Quickobook becomes a lifeline during disasters when physical access to hospitals is limited.
How Quickobook Helps:
- Book Doctor Appointments Online — no need to travel in floodwaters
- Home Lab Test Booking — get tested for typhoid, hepatitis, dengue, etc.
- Order Medicines Online — deliver essential drugs to affected zones
- Teleconsultation with Specialists — consult via phone or video
- Pediatric Care Access — ensure timely care for children showing symptoms
Precautions to Prevent Disease Post-Flood
Drinking Water Safety
- Always boil water before drinking
- Use chlorine tablets or water purifiers
- Avoid using contaminated tanks or wells
Personal Hygiene
- Wash hands with soap before meals
- Disinfect utensils and storage containers
- Bathe in clean water, not floodwater
Food Precautions
- Avoid raw or uncooked food
- Store cooked food in covered containers
- Discard food exposed to floodwater
Sanitation & Mosquito Control
- Use mosquito repellents and nets
- Remove stagnant water from buckets, tyres, plant pots
- Dispose of garbage in closed bins
Emergency Symptoms to Watch Out For
Book a Quickobook doctor if you notice:
- Sudden fever or chills
- Vomiting or dehydration
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Loose stools (especially with blood)
- Skin rashes, red eyes, or body pain
- Mental fog, anxiety, panic
Quick action saves lives.
Departments You Should Know on Quickobook
Condition |
Relevant Department |
Quickobook Services |
Fever, diarrhea, vomiting |
General Physician |
Appointment booking, online consults |
Typhoid, hepatitis, stomach pain |
Gastroenterologist |
Specialist care, LFT, USG test referrals |
Child health issues post-flood |
Pediatrician |
Child doctor booking, vaccine follow-up |
Infections like cholera or dengue |
Infectious Disease Specialist |
Case management, advanced treatment |
Skin rashes, water infections |
Dermatologist |
Fungal, bacterial skin care |
Psychological trauma, anxiety |
Psychiatrist / Psychologist |
Counselling, medication, online sessions |
Testing needs (CBC, Typhoid, Dengue) |
Pathologist / Diagnostic Labs |
Book lab test, home sample collection |
Conclusion
The floods in Dehradun have left behind more than just water and debris. They’ve left behind a silent health crisis. Waterborne diseases are surging, but with awareness, prevention, and timely access to the right doctor, we can save lives.
Quickobook empowers you to fight back by connecting you with specialists across departments, delivering medicines, booking tests, and ensuring continuity of care even when the world outside is under water.
Stay alert. Stay healthy. Book your doctor or test now on Quickobook.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Leave a Comment