The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) has urged residents in flood-affected areas to take strict precautions when consuming drinking water, warning of heightened risks of waterborne diseases.
PHIU Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said people living in communities impacted by flooding should avoid using well water, which is likely to be contaminated.
He advised the public to drink only boiled water to prevent illnesses such as diarrhea, noting that children should be given boiled water without exception.
Muthukuda also said that the ongoing disaster has created conditions conducive to mosquito breeding, particularly around homes where stagnant water has accumulated.
He called on residents to clear potential breeding sites during post-flood cleaning efforts to curb the spread of dengue, chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Public health officials said they will continue monitoring affected areas and urged communities to follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in the wake of the severe flooding.
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