Following disruption due to flood, Sri Lanka warns people of health crisis

Colombo, May 31: The Sri Lankan government Health Ministry on Wednesday warned its citizens that diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis and skin-related disorders could spread in districts affected by the recent floods and urged the public to take precautions.

The Government Information Department quoting medical experts said that with flood waters receding in several districts, epidemics caused by animals could also spread in addition to skin diseases and respiratory disorders.

The districts of Puttalam, Galle, Matara, Kalutara, and Ratnapura were severely affected as a result of the recent monsoonal rains. Provincial epidemiologists said that diseases could spread faster in these districts since they were the worst affected.

Director of Health Services in the Sabaragamuwa Province Kapila Kannangara said urgent medicines were needed in the affected areas.

Medical officers further urged the public to only drink cooled boiled water, refrain from consuming raw vegetables and fruits, consume cooked meals, keep food items in closed containers, wash hands with soap, refrain from walking in flood waters, and destroy possible dengue breeding areas, in order to prevent the spread of diseases.

Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Center (DMC) said on Tuesday said the military, along with the police and relief teams, had begun a massive clean-up campaign in districts which were affected by the monsoonal rains as the water levels receded.

DMC Spokesperson, Pradeep Kodippili said 24 people had been killed and over 75,000 displaced, as heavy winds and rains lashed out across the island over the past 10 days.