In aftermath of floods:

Be aware of disease

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Health Ministry requested the public to drink boiled water and consume home cooked food to avoid diseases such as diarrhoea, that can spread after floods, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman, it is best to drink boiled water and consume home cooked food at least for some time to avoid health problems that can be caused by unhygienic food and water. It is advisable to avoid eating fresh vegetable salads, uncooked vegetables and green leaves. Drinking water sources and other water resources went under flood water due to the heavy rain experienced recently.

Wells which went under floods should be cleaned and chlorinated before use, he said. Health Deputy Minister Mahinda Amaraweera thanked the Presidential Task Force for clearing garbage during National Dengue Control Programs held recently as this measure minimized the damages caused by flood waters.

The flood water started to recede within few hours after rains stopped because of the unblocked canals and drains.

In earlier occasions the flood water did not recede for days causing heavy damages to properties and interrupting all activities, he added.