PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Health has reminded all citizens to be more careful and prepared to protect themselves during the current flood season, in order to prevent a negative impact on their health and lives.
The Ministry of Health has advised residents living in flood-prone areas to prepare their safety measures and food supply in advance, with suggestions to build a fence around bodies of water, and build high toilets to prevent flooding.
The Ministry of Health has also advised parents to explain to their children about the dangers of drowning and to take them to higher ground in the event of flooding, to always leave the house with a raincoat, and when traveling by boat or ferry, to make sure the vehicle is not overcrowded.
The Ministry warns citizens of the presence of snakes and other venomous animals, telling citizens to check all areas carefully before entering them, such as near piles of wood. If someone has been bitten by a snake or another venomous animal, they must be immediately sent to the nearest health center or hospital for timely treatment.
At the same time, the Ministry of Health also advises people not to touch electrical appliances with wet hands or while standing in water. In particular, the Ministry also advises sleeping under a mosquito net at all times to prevent the spread of diseases like dengue fever, malaria, chicken pox, and other infectious, waterborne diseases.
According to the Committee for Disaster Management, this year's floods have affected 22 provinces, including Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Thom, and Preah Vihear. The floods have inundated more than 150,000 hectares of rice paddies, more than 40,000 hectares of mixed crops, and flooded roads, schools, and other infrastructure killing at least four people.
This situation has made the Prime Minister of Cambodia concerned about the citizens and harvests that have been affected. The Prime Minister Instructed the Acting Minister of Agriculture, DPM Aun Porn Moniroth, and the First Deputy Chairman of the Disaster Management Committee, Kun Kim, to appoint officials from the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with provincial authorities, to inspect and assess damaged rice crops and make interventions accordingly to help rescue as much damaged crops as possible.
