KUCHING: Floods, whether short-term (flash floods) or long-term (prolonged flooding), pose serious health threats due to contaminated water, exposure duration and lack of medical aid, said Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Professor Andrew Kiyu.
He added that in the immediate aftermath of a flood, people faced dangers such as drowning, injuries, electrocution, infections and risks from animal and insect bites.
“Strong currents and submerged hazards can lead to fatal accidents while contact with contaminated water or drinking them can cause gastrointestinal diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and norovirus.
“Wounds and cuts sustained during floods can become infected, which can lead to leptospirosis (known as rat urine disease), melioidosis and tetanus,” he said.
He further explained that prolonged flooding worsened the situation by allowing typhoid, dysentery and hepatitis A and E to spread.
“Homes that remain damp for extended periods can develop mold, which may lead to chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma and lung infections.
“Psychological distress is another major concern, as many flood victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression due to loss of homes and livelihoods.
Kiyu also warned that floodwaters often contained harmful chemicals from industrial waste, sewage and agricultural runoff, which could cause long-term health problems.
“Even after the waters recede, the dangers persist. Electrical hazards from water-damaged power lines can cause electrocution while unstable structures and sharp debris increase the risk of injuries during clean-up.”
To minimise health risks, he urged flood victims to take strict precautionary measures, such as drinking boiled or purified water and wearing protective gear like gloves, boots, goggles and N95 masks to avoid contamination.
“It’s important to remove water and mud using pumps, buckets or wet vacuums while ensuring proper ventilation by opening doors and windows.
“All surfaces should be disinfected using a mixture of one cup of bleach with five gallons of water while avoiding mixing bleach with ammonia.
“Contaminated items like waterlogged furniture, carpets, insulation and food should be discarded. To prevent mould growth, walls and furniture should be dried within 48 hours using fans.”
He added that individuals should also receive vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A and tetanus to reduce their risk of infection.
Additionally, he said that many flood victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
To address this, health authorities and non-governmental organisation (NGOs) must provide counselling, psychological first aid and community support programmes.
Vaccination programmes should cover typhoid and tetanus, and preventive antibiotics like doxycycline should be given to those at high risk of leptospirosis.”
He said that medical teams must conduct regular health screenings to detect early symptoms of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, pneumonia, tuberculosis and melioidosis.
“Essential medicines and first aid supplies must be stockpiled to handle medical emergencies.
“Vector and pest control are crucial in flood-relief centres as stagnant water attracts mosquitoes, increasing the risk of dengue, malaria and chikungunya. Relief centres must implement fogging, distribute mosquito nets and provide insect repellents.”
“Besides, flood victims must receive hot, nutritious meals to prevent foodborne illnesses in overcrowded shelters.
“Floodwaters bring hidden dangers as displaced snakes, scorpions, centipedes, spiders and fire ants seek shelter in homes and relief centres.
“If bitten, victims must stay calm, limit movement and seek immediate medical attention,” said Kiyu.
“Authorities, NGOs and volunteers must work together to ensure proper sanitation, medical care, disease prevention, and mental health support for all flood victims,” he added.
