Red Cross launch assessments for early recovery needs

Red Cross launch assessments
for early recovery needs

Potential health risk possible in post flood situation

The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) in coordination with District Authorities are now carrying out assessments for early recovery needs of the people affected by floods in several districts.The most important areas that is been focused is on providing access to safe drinking water, cleaning public places and ensuring living conditions are brought back to normalcy. SLRCS Branches in the affected areas are mobilizing volunteers to do the needful.

As of now 110,109 people living in 9 districts are affected by flash floods. 23 deaths were also reported. (Forexact up to date figures for the number of deaths please contact the Police Media Unit).Kalutara, Galle, Rathnapura, Gampaha, Kegalle, Colombo, Matara, Kurunegala and Nuwara--‐Eliya are the districts affected.

Meanwhile the Red Cross is also concern with regard to the possible rise of vector--‐borne and diarrheal disease soon after a flood situation.“We have seen this time after time, soon after floods there’s a potential risk towards vector--‐borne and diarrheal disease” says Dr. Prithi Panditharatne, Health Specialist of Sri Lanka Red Cross.“People who have experienced flooding in their surroundings should need to check for areas where water is stagnated and should clean it immediately, thus making sure that the surroundings does not become areas for mosquitoes to breed.”

The Red Cross also recommends the use of mosquito nets, and repellents specially during the first few weeks since a flood incident.Meanwhile water contamination either by flood waters or other means will contain pathogens of diarrheal diseases which results in a high possibility of oral fecal contamination. Therefore it is recommended to consume safe drinking water at all times.