Bhubaneswar, Aug. 7 -- For residents of Haridaspur in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the crisis is no longer limited to heavy rain. Even days after the latest downpour, several lanes and houses remain submerged under knee-to-waist-deep stagnant water, leaving families stranded inside their homes.

Household utensils and other belongings are floating in many houses, while green algae have begun forming in the stagnant water. It has created unhygienic conditions and fears of disease.

The prolonged waterlogging has brought normal life to a halt. Many children have reportedly fallen ill and are unable to attend school or tuition classes. Parents said they have been sending videos to schools explaining that their children cannot step out because the lo...