Flooding is seen from the air in Tbong Khmum province’s namesake district. - Photo: Supplied
PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Health has issued public health warnings about the extra risks associated with the flood conditions and heavy rains currently impacting several provinces.
The included the need for extra caution against the risk of snakebites, as reptiles are driven from their usual habitats, and coincided with the news that a tropical storm has developed over the South China Sea.
It explained that people must remain vigilant about the dangers of bites from snakes and other venomous creatures. They should carefully check their surroundings, especially when working near wood or rock piles. It also recommended that people wear long pants and boots when travelling, and called for people to avoid areas of thick grass.
“In the event that a family member or someone else is bitten by a snake or other venomous animal, they should be immediately taken to the nearest health centre or hospital for examination and treatment,” the ministry warned.
To ensure people’s health and safety during periods of flooding period, the ministry also advised people against entering damaged homes or buildings, warning that they may collapse.
People were also advised not to touch electrical appliances with wet hands or while standing in water. In addition, people are encouraged to sleep under mosquito nets to prevent illnesses such as dengue fever, malaria and chikungunya.
Pregnant women should ensure that they attend their health centre or hospital check-ups as scheduled.
If they are close to their delivery date, they should find accommodation near the nearest medical facility.
Parents were also advised to have their children vaccinated, according to the doctor’s instructions and to provide proper and hygienic food.
When travelling by boat or canoe at night, people should ensure they have adequate lighting and wear life jackets to guard against drowning.
“To avoid the risk of drowning, children should be kept out of water and educated about possible dangers. Parents should take children to higher ground and always have a caregiver present, ensuring they wear life jackets or use floats whenever they are outside the house,” added the ministry.
To prevent diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, food poisoning or respiratory infections, it is essential that people use a water filter, boil water or treat it with chlorine or chloramine (two 500mg chlorine or chloramine tablets can purify 20 litres of water after being left for 30 minutes before use).
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology issued a notice that a previously reported low-pressure system over the South China Sea has developed into Tropical Storm Soulik.
The storm, with maximum wind speeds of 65 km/h near its centre, is currently near central Vietnam and is expected to move towards the central Mekong basin, intensifying the effects of the southwest monsoon over Cambodia from September 19 to 23.
The ministry explained that its influence would result in cloudy skies, moderate to heavy rainfall covering most parts of the country and strong winds in coastal areas, the plateau region and mountainous areas.
According to the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), floods have so far affected four provinces: Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Sihanouk, and Tbong Khmum. At least 2,300 families and over 1,000 hectares of rice fields have been affected.
Seng Cheyvuth, director of the Tbong Khmum provincial administration, said that as of Friday, September 20, flooding from the Mekong River has impacted parts of Tbong Khmum and Kroch Chhmar districts.
However, he assured The Post that the situation is not considered severe. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
