BANGKOK, 22 September 2012 – Minister of Public Health Wittaya Buranasiri has reported that almost 2,000 people are suffering from illnesses caused by floods each day with 111 people experiencing stress.
Mr Wittaya and MD Narong Sahamethaphat, the director-general of the Department of Mental Health, accompanied by senior Public Health officials, on Saturday traveled to flood-hit Si Maha Pho district in Prachin Buri province to hand out relief supplies and first-aid kits to affected people. The minister and his entourage then visited mobile medical units which were assisting the flood-stricken residents.
According to the minister, 16 provinces have been submerged so far, and half of the number are in the central region. 30 medical mobile teams are dispatched to aid 2,000 people daily.
Most of the flood victims are reported to suffer from a headache, followed by athlete’s foot and flu. 38 out of the 111 people with stress from the flooding situation have been under close care by medical staff.
The minister warned people who lived in flooded areas, especially small children, of drowning and eye infections. Swimming and walking in flood water are strongly discouraged.
