India Warns Against Eating Fish Washed in From Nepal Floodwaters
On Tuesday (September 1), Bihar’s Dairy, Fisheries and Livestock Department issued a public alert. It said that after floodwaters from Nepal entered various areas of Bihar through the Gandak and Koshi rivers, unfamiliar and unusual-looking fish were floating around.
The department said that flood water may contain sewage sludge, bacteria, viruses and other germs. As a result, there is a risk that fish caught from that water may also be contaminated. Therefore, it has been advised not to buy, sell or eat fish caught from flood water until the situation normalizes.
The government warning specifically asks residents to avoid fish that are unfamiliar or have an unusual appearance. If they find such fish anywhere, they are advised to report it to the local fisheries officer or administration. If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness or shortness of breath occur after eating these fish, they are asked to contact a health center immediately.
Flash floods from Nepal have already crossed the border into various rivers in Bihar, India, raising concerns about water pollution as large quantities of mud, silt, tree trunks, debris and dead animals wash up along with them. Authorities have urged residents of river and flood-affected areas to follow government instructions until the situation returns to normal.
Source: NDTV, Hindustan Times
