Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng have advised residents in flood-affected areas to take precautions to avoid health issues.

Precautions include not entering old houses or buildings that can collapse and not touch electronic devices when standing in water. If travelling by boat or canoe at night people should carry a light.

“We have to be careful with drowning. Small children must be protected and not play in the water. Children have to wear life vests before going out of the house. Boats should not be overloaded with too many people,” he said.

People, he said, must sleep in mosquito nets to prevent dengue fever, malaria and other diseases. They should also be watchful of snakes and other dangerous animals. They should check woodpiles, be wary of thick grass and wear long pants and boots.

Bun Heng also advised people living in flooded areas to maintain personal hygiene to prevent ill effects, including diarrhoea and respiratory diseases. Drinking clean water is essential. People should use water purifier, boil the water or use Chlorine or Chloramphenicol in the water. Two pills of 500mg of chlorine or chloramphenicol can be mixed with 20L of water.

He said the ministry has distributed medicine and snake bite vaccines to all flooded provinces.

Ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine echoed the minister, saying maintaining good hygiene is key to preventing diseases.

She said when floodwaters recede people have to reorganise toilets and use them regularly.

Since September 1, rain-induced floods have inundated 19 provinces, 60 districts and 204 communes, affecting more than 34,378 people, 2,268 of whom have been evacuated to safe places.