Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation: Urgent Warning for Potential Flooding
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued a report on the water situation that demands immediate attention from September 15th to 20th, 2023. In light of this, it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers that heavy rain and accumulated precipitation can bring, including flash floods, water bank overflow, and widespread flooding. The government has also provided important recommendations and guidelines to ensure public safety during this period.
Government Advice
- Stay informed about the latest news and updates provided by the government.
- Take precautions against the dangers posed by animals and poisonous insects.
- Be cautious of electric currents, which can be hazardous during flooding.
- Exercise extreme caution in areas with rapids and swift currents.
Dr. Saman Futrakul, Director of the Disease Prevention and Control Office 7 in Khon Kaen Province, expresses concern for the well-being of individuals residing in flood-prone areas. Therefore, it is imperative that people closely follow these guidelines:
Preparing for Potential Flooding
- Gather essential items for survival, including dry food, canned food, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Ensure you have cooking materials, a flashlight with batteries, medicine, a black bag, a whistle, and communication tools.
- Don’t forget to carry personal medication for those with chronic illnesses and a first aid kit.
- Include personal hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, baby food and milk, sanitary napkins, diapers, and other baby products.
- Keep several large, clean containers for water storage, ensuring an adequate supply for 3-5 days.
- Remember to have powdered sugar and mineral salts on hand in case of diarrhea.
- Use a large rubbish bag for waste disposal and a rope to secure it.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing mosquito repellent clothing with long sleeves and long pants.
- Ensure the safety of important documents and valuables.
- Elevate electrical outlets and equipment to higher ground and consider disconnecting electricity if necessary.
- Do not keep pets too close, as they may contract animal diseases.
- Always carry buoyancy equipment such as an empty gallon bucket with a lid or an empty plastic water bottle.
When facing a flood situation with strong currents, it is crucial to consider the following safety measures:
Safety during Flooding
- Avoid venturing out in the water to collect vegetables, fish, or swim. The powerful current can sweep you away or pose a drowning risk.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, wearing thick, heavy waterproof clothing, and fishing at night.
- Do not enter the water after eating unfamiliar food to minimize the risk of stomach cramps.
- Ensure the wellbeing of chronically ill individuals who require assistance, such as patients with epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
- Supervise children closely and keep them away from the water. Educate them about potential dangers and have flotation devices readily available, such as life jackets or coconut shells tied to ropes.
Furthermore, there are three groups of diseases and health hazards associated with flooding:
Diseases and Health Hazards from Flooding
- Respiratory diseases: flu and pneumonia.
- Food and waterborne diseases: food poisoning and diarrhea.
- Water-related diseases: leptospirosis, conjunctivitis, and dengue fever.
To prevent these diseases and health hazards during floods or flash floods, the following measures are recommended:
Disease and Health Hazard Prevention
- Avoid throwing any kind of rubbish or waste into waterways. Dispose of garbage in tightly sealed plastic bags and store them in dry areas.
- Do not allow young children to play in the water alone to prevent drowning and exposure to contaminated water.
- In case of floodwater splashing into your eyes or dust entering your eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water to prevent conjunctivitis.
- Consume clean and thoroughly cooked food to avoid food poisoning and diarrhea.
- When wading through water for an extended period, always wear high boots to prevent water-borne diseases. Cleanse your body immediately with clean water and dry thoroughly.
If you require additional information or assistance, please contact the Disease Control Department helpline at 1422.
Published by: Disease and Health Hazard Communication Group
Date: September 20, 2023
Contact: Complaints Reception Centre, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 7, Khon Kaen
Phone: No. 043-222818-9 ext. 237
Information from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Report on the water situation that must be monitored between 15-20 September 2023. Be careful of the dangers of heavy rain and accumulated rain that could cause flash floods and flash floods, flooding of water banks, and flooding in many areas, along with recommendations to follow. news from the government Be careful of the dangers of animals and poisonous insects. Be careful of the dangers of electric current. Be careful of the dangers of rapids flowing through.
Dr. Saman Futrakul, Director of Disease Prevention and Control Office 7, Khon Kaen Province Expressing concern for the safety of people in flood-prone areas. Therefore, I ask the people Always observe and listen to news from the government andPrepare for the dangers of flooding, including: Prepare essential items for life such as dry food, canned food, ready-to-eat food. and materials and equipment for cooking Flashlight with batteries, medicine, black bag, whistle, home medicine communication tools Personal medicine for people with chronic diseases A first aid kit includes personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, baby food and milk, sanitary napkins, diapers and baby products. Several large, clean containers for holding water. Provide enough water to use within 3-5 days. Powdered sugar and mineral salts are included in case of diarrhoea. A large rubbish bag to collect all the rubbish in the bag. and a rope for tying the mouth of the bag Plastic bags for putting rubbish in And for heavy or light shooting, mosquito repellent clothes, long sleeves and long legs to prevent mosquito bites. Keep important documents and valuables safe. Move outlets and electrical equipment to higher ground. If in doubt, cut off the electricity to prevent shock/electric shock. Separate accommodation for pets Pets should not be kept close as they can be infected with animal diseases. Always carry readily available buoyancy equipment, such as an empty gallon bucket with a lid. Empty plastic water bottle with cap
When in a flood situation The water flows, the current is strong. Consider the following safety considerations: 1. You should not go out to collect vegetables. Find fish and swim while the current flows and rages. Because there is a risk of being swept away by the current or drowning in deep water 2. Do not drink any type of alcoholic beverages. Do not wear thick, heavy waterproof clothing. Do not go fishing at night. Avoid going into the water after eating a new food. Because of the risk of stomach cramps 3. Chronically ill people who are unable to help themselves should not be left alone, such as Patients with epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease 4. Parents look after children closely and do not let children play in the water. There should be an area that is a safe area for children. Teach the children about the dangers that can occur during floods. And prepare flotation equipment with you or in a convenient place for use in an emergency, such as a life jacket, a coconut, an empty gallon bucket, an empty plastic water bottle tied to a lanyard, stick or rope.
Be careful of 3 groups of diseases and 3 health hazards arising from flooding, including diseases of the respiratory system, namely flu and pneumonia. Groups of diseases transmitted through food and water include food poisoning and diarrhoea. Groups of diseases that come from standing water are leptospirosis, conjunctivitis, and dengue fever, including 3 health threats: bites/stings of poisonous insects such as snakes, scorpions, centipedes etc. Parasites often found in floodwater are threadworms. (Strongyloid parasites) and drowning
For ways to prevent diseases and health hazards that come with floods or flash floods. This can be done by 1) Don’t throw any kind of rubbish. or excreting waste into waterways Put garbage or waste in a plastic bag and tie the bag tightly and store it in a dry place 2) Do not let young children play in the water alone. Because the child may drown and help may not be available in time. And it can be infected from water that has dirt. Makes you sick with conjunctivitis Strongyloid parasitic disease Or you can be bitten or stung by a poisonous animal that escapes from the water 3) If floodwater splashes into your eyes or if dust gets into d eyes Use clean water to wash your face and eyes thoroughly. To prevent conjunctivitis 4) Eat clean, hot cooked food to prevent food poisoning and diarrhea 5) If it is necessary to wade through water for a long time. High boots should always be worn. To prevent diseases that come with flooding Clean your body immediately with clean water and dry it thoroughly. If in doubt You can ask for more information at the Disease Control Department helpline, call 1422
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Information from: Non-Communicable Diseases Section/Office of Risk Communication, Department of Disease Control
Published: Disease and Health Hazard Communication Group
September 20, 2023
Complaints Reception Centre, Office of Disease Prevention and Control 7, Khon Kaen
No. 043-222818-9 ext. 237
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