Health Ministry Gives Tips On Safety To Flood Victims

Floods in Banteay Meanchey province. The Ministry of Health reminded those affected by the floods of 9 October to protect their health and safety before, during and after the floods. FACEBOOK

The Ministry of Health reminded those affected by the floods of 9 October to protect their health and safety before, during and after the floods.

“During a flood, people shouldn't enter old or dilapidated buildings because they can collapse. They also need to be careful when working on electrical equipment with wet hands or standing in water, "he recalls.

He also reminded the audience to sleep under mosquito nets to prevent dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya and other insect-borne diseases. Parents and guardians should also be careful not to leave their children with strangers for fear of abusive behavior.

Pregnant women should also follow the schedule set by their clinic or hospital, and as their due date approaches, they should be careful to stay close to medical facilities.

“Warn your children of the dangers of drowning and keep them away from deep or fast-moving water. It is also important that the boats and ferries are not overcrowded. If anyone gets hit by the flood, call for help immediately, "he added.

He also suggested simple steps people can take to avoid diarrhea, dysentery, food poisoning, and other diseases caused by flood-related sanitation problems.

“Drink clean, filtered water that has been boiled or treated with chlorine or monochloramine before drinking. You have to protect the food from flies and dust. To prevent the spread of respiratory infections and Covid-19 infection, it is mandatory to wear a mask and scarf and always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, "he said.

The public should also be on the lookout for snakes and other dangerous animals and inspect piles of firewood or leaves before approaching them.

When the water receded, he advised people to be careful with contaminated water and food and to practice good hygiene.

In a special voice mail on October 8, Prime Minister Hun Sen said 96 counties and 770 municipalities in 22 provinces were affected by the recent floods, which killed four people.

According to the forecasts of the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology for 8 October, it will continue to rain in the kingdom from 9 to 15 October. The provinces of the northeastern and northwestern highlands bordering the Dangrek Mountains will experience light to moderate rainfall.

The ministry said moderate to heavy rain, mixed with thunderstorms and strong winds, is expected in Phnom Penh and other provinces in the lower part of the country. Dangerous marine conditions are expected from 13 to 15 October with strong winds, heavy rains and moderate waves.

Disaster preparedness: the key to effective emergency planning