In the wake of flash floods in Nepal, the Bihar Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department has issued a public advisory urging people to avoid consuming unknown or unusual fish entering the state’s water bodies with floodwaters.
The advisory comes after unfamiliar and unusual fish were reportedly found in several flood-affected areas of Bihar, with reports of people falling ill after consuming them.
According to the department, floodwaters can carry fish from ponds, lakes, rivers and reservoirs to other areas. Prolonged exposure to sewage, dead animals, mud and other pollutants can contaminate fish with harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi, making them unsafe for consumption.
“During floods, fish escape from ponds, rivers, lakes and reservoirs and travel long distances with the water. Due to prolonged contact with mud, sewage, carcasses and other contaminants, these fish get affected by harmful bacteria, viruses and chemicals, making them unsafe for health,” the advisory said.
It advised people not to consume unknown or unusual-looking fish and to refrain from buying, selling or using fish caught during floods for food.
The department also urged citizens not to consider any unidentified fish fit for consumption without verification from the concerned authorities.
People who develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, dizziness or breathing difficulties after consuming such fish have been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health centre or hospital.
Citizens have also been asked to inform the district fisheries officer or local administration if they spot unfamiliar fish.
“Please do not pay attention to rumours and completely avoid consuming unknown fish, keeping your safety in mind,” the advisory said.
District Fisheries Officer, West Champaran, Nutan, said awareness drives were also being conducted across the district.
“We are conducting awareness programmes everywhere and informing the public that the fish coming from Nepal due to the floods are highly infectious and carry many diseases. Consuming them could lead to infectious diseases, which is why a ban is being implemented so that the public does not eat or use these fish,” she said.
She also urged fish sellers not to sell such fish and advised the public against buying or consuming them.
Nepal Police has issued a similar advisory to citizens, urging them to “refrain from consuming fish and other riverine food items carried by the flood into the river.”
Meanwhile, the death toll from the August 26 flash floods in Nepal has risen to 1,127, according to Nepal Police.
As per the Nepal Police, 45 bodies have been recovered from Rasuwa, 155 from Nuwakot, 59 from Dhading, 348 from Chitwan, 66 from Gorkha, 38 from Tanahun, 217 from Nawalparasi East and 190 from Nawalparasi West.
Following the floods, Bihar has remained on high alert amid concerns over downstream floodwaters from Nepal.
Residents of Madrauni village in the Rangra block of Bhagalpur’s Naugachia subdivision have also been facing severe flooding for the past 15 days due to rising water levels in the Kosi River.
The flood situation has worsened in parts of the region following heavy rainfall and rising water levels in rivers originating in or flowing through neighbouring Nepal. (ANI)
