FLOODINGS

Death toll 59, floods distress many

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

Severe flooding has already killed 59 people and has severely depressed at least 169 others this month.

From October 10-27, floods were blamed for 59 deaths in 18 provinces.

Lop Buri was hit hardest with 10 deaths, followed by Nakhon Ratchasima with nine, eight in Nakhon Sawan, and six in Buri Ram.

Kamphaeng Phet, Khon Kaen and Phetchabun had three deaths each. Two fatalities were reported in each of Sing Buri, Rayong, Chaiyaphum and Chai Nat, while Trat, Sa Kaew, Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi, Uthai Thani and Phichit each had one.

Department of Mental Health director-general Dr Apichai Mongkol yesterday said that about 168 people in the flood-affected areas were also facing severe depression and there were suicide risks. "They will be monitored closely by a team of psychiatrists."

Public Health Ministry deputy permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahamethapat said that so far, there had been no reported outbreaks of serious waterborne diseases. About 60 per cent of people made ill by the floods were suffering from athlete's foot, 46.9 per cent had influenza, 15.9 per cent were suffering from respiratory disease and 12.6 per cent from fatigue.

To prevent disease outbreaks, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit instructed people in flood-affected areas to make mobile toilets from cardboard boxes and black garbage bags. After use, they should fold the bag and dispose it of in a sanitary way.

Jurin also expressed concern over disorders that could be caused or aggravated by flood waters such as dengue fever, leptospirosis, diarrhoea and stress.

The Public Health Ministry yesterday urged the 19 state hospitals in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan to prepare for possible flooding.

"These hospitals are in the areas that are at risk from flooding," Jurin said.

He has instructed medical workers at these locations to protect hospitals and medical equipment from flood waters.

Floods have damaged 42 healthcare units, including hospitals, during the past several weeks. Three main hospitals, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum and Phimai, have resumed operations.

The Department of Health Service Support has made preliminary estimates of the damage to the three hospitals. The total for Phimai Hospital was put at Bt83 million, Chaiyaphum Hospital at Bt28 million, and Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital and related healthcare units at Bt259 million.

-- The Nation 2010-10-28

"To prevent disease outbreaks, Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit instructed people in flood-affected areas to make mobile toilets from cardboard boxes and black garbage bags."

And people in the flood areas are supposed to get the cardboard boxes and black garbage bags from...................where?

Pic of the flooding in Lopburi today:

http://www.thairath.co.th/content/pol/122559

Pic of the flooding in Lopburi today:

http://www.thairath....tent/pol/122559

Venice of the East?

59 is still short of 91.