Thailand Flooding Update

9 October 2011

Health hazards are becoming a major concern as contamination of floodwater caused mainly by uncollected garbage is widespread - while warnings against waterborne zoonoses [diseases transferred from animals to humans] and food poisoning have been issued. The Public Health Ministry's Department of Medical Sciences yesterday warned of possible leptospirosis in flooded areas and against consuming ice and iced drinks from unknown production sources. The bacterial disease, which is found usually in flooded areas up to three weeks after a flood recedes, is potentially fatal if not properly treated.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is confident of its Flooding Prevention System and is constantly monitoring the water levels. Somchai Sawasdeepon, Senior Executive Vice President of Airports of Thailand, and Acting General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport said the airport was confident of its highly capable Flooding Prevention System, with 3.5m high polder dykes surrounding the airport.

While a third of Thailand is affected by floods, the majority of beach resorts are perfectly safe.