Patiala, Sept. 8 -- Though the floodwater begins to recede across Punjab, the hardships for the flood-hit residents is far from over. The state health department has already sounded an alert over the heightened risk of disease outbreaks. Officials of the department said potential spread of skin diseases, waterborne and foodborne diseases: dengue, cholera, typhoid, diarrhoea, and hepatitis A and E is looming large. "Usual water sources are no longer safe," the advisory cautioned. The health department said that floodwaters might have contaminated handpumps, wells, and supply lines with faecal matter, overflow from latrines, decaying animal carcasses, and upstream pollutants. Doctors have strongly recommended that people should boil water before drinking. "Bring it to a rolling boil, then allow it to cool naturally without adding ice," the advisory states. If boiling is not possible for all, priority should be given to water for formula-fed infants, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and other vulnerable groups, it says. Another looming concern is the rise in mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, as stagnant water left behind by floods provides ideal breeding grounds. Authorities have urged panchayat secretaries, BDOs, and village sarpanches to ensure drainage and carry out anti-larval spraying. Epidemiologist Dr Sumit Singh said: "The floodwaters may be receding, but the danger of epidemics is rising. With safe water, hygiene, and community cooperation, we can prevent a major health crisis," he added. "Medical teams of ASHA workers and CHOs (community medical officers) - supervised by a medical officer - have already been formed to carry out door-to-door health checkups in flood-affected areas," said Punjab health minister Dr Balbir. He added that anti-snake venom was made available for all the health institutions up to the level of community health centres....