Dont eat fish caught from floodwaters: Bihar warns citizens after unusual looking fish washes in by Nepal floods

PTC News Desk: The Bihar Government has urged the citizen to exercise caution against selling, purchasing, consuming the fish carried into the state by floodwaters in Nepal, as it can be dangerous to eat. 

Following flash floods in Nepal, water from the Trishuli River has been flowing into Bihar via the Gandak and Kosi rivers, both major waterways in the northern part of the state. As river levels continue to rise, unusual types of fish have been appearing in flood-hit areas. Some people are also reportedly falling sick after eating these fish.

The Animal and Fisheries Resources Department has warned people not to buy, sell or eat fish caught from floodwaters. Officials said such fish may be contaminated with sewage, bacteria, viruses and other harmful germs. Nepal Police have also issued a similar warning to residents.

An advisory issued by Bihar's Department of Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources said that during floods, fish often escape from ponds, rivers, lakes and reservoirs and spread with the floodwater.

The department has made the following appeal to the public:

• Do not consume unknown or unusual-looking fish.
• Avoid buying, selling or consuming fish caught from floodwaters.
• Do not treat any unfamiliar fish as fit for consumption without checking with the concerned department.
• Seek immediate medical help at the nearest health centre if symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness or breathing difficulty appear after eating such fish.
• Report sightings of unusual fish to the local District Fisheries Officer or administration.
• Do not pay attention to rumours, and avoid consuming unknown fish for the sake of safety.

Floods bring more than just fish

The Kosi and Gandak rivers, which receive water from Nepal, have swollen after flash floods and are carrying large amounts of debris and dead fish.

Landslides and glacial lake outbursts in Nepal's hilly areas have washed down huge amounts of mud, silt, stones and tree trunks into the rivers.

Debris from collapsed bridges and damaged hydropower projects in Nepal has also been seen floating towards Bihar. Vehicles, household items and LPG cylinders from flooded villages are also being carried downstream.

Human and animal remains washed down from Nepal have further increased concerns about water contamination and the spread of infections.

Health experts have warned that if contaminated floodwater mixes with drinking water sources such as hand pumps and wells, diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera could spread quickly.