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WITH flood conditions easing in several states, local communities are beginning to return to their homes, but anxiety remains high amid concerns over a possible third wave of flooding.
In areas where water levels have returned to normal, residents have started moving back and working together to clean up debris and damaged property, hoping to restore their daily routines as quickly as possible.
Despite the sense of relief that comes with seeing floodwaters recede, health experts caution that unseen threats may linger beneath the surface.
The aftermath of flooding often creates conditions that heighten the risk of infectious diseases, posing a serious threat to public health.
Floods frequently damage infrastructure and disrupt water supply systems while compromising environmental hygiene. Such conditions can create an ideal environment for the spread of infectious diseases.
Berita Harian citied Prof Madya Dr Lim Theam Soon, a researcher from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, saying that among the most concerning illnesses is leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine or faeces of animals infected with leptospira bacteria, particularly rodents.
Contaminated water sources and damaged sanitation systems may also contribute to the spread of diarrhoeal diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
At the same time, debris, stagnant water and accumulated rubbish left behind by floods can increase mosquito breeding grounds, raising the risk of vector-borne diseases including dengue fever, malaria, Zika and chikungunya.
Public health specialists stress that preventing outbreaks in the post-flood period requires collective awareness and careful action.
Communities are advised to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water, with all drinking water boiled or obtained from bottled sources. Waste disposal must be managed properly, with debris, rubbish and sediment cleared and disposed of safely.
Residents involved in clean-up activities are urged to take safety precautions, including wearing protective equipment such as gloves and rubber boots, and ensuring that any open wounds are properly covered.
Environmental cleanliness and vector control are also crucial, with emphasis on clearing clogged drains, emptying water containers, using mosquito repellents and removing rubbish that collects standing water.
Families are encouraged to closely monitor their health for symptoms such as fever, vomiting, severe muscle pain or prolonged diarrhoea, and to seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.
Flood-related waste must be collected at designated disposal sites to prevent the spread of infection or potential outbreaks, health authorities say.
Although the floodwaters have receded, experts remind the public that invisible risks remain. Protecting communities from infectious diseases after floods requires shared responsibility and continued vigilance.
Floods may damage homes and property, but with awareness and preventive action, their impact on public health can be minimised. - December 31, 2025
