Clinical Updates
14 October 2011
Flooding in South East Asia – Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam and the Philippines
Large areas of South East Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam and the Philippines have been affected by severe flooding [1].
The monsoon season in South East Asia is between May to October. However, heavier than usual rains, together with typhoons and tropical storms, have resulted in extensive flooding throughout the region.
A map of affected areas can be accessed on the ReliefWeb website.
Thailand
Widespread flooding is reported in north, north-east and central Thailand [1]. The worst affected provinces are Ayutthaya, Phitsanulok and Sukhothai [2]. As of 13 October 2011, a total of 283 deaths have been reported in the country since July. Over two million people living in 26 provinces of Thailand have been affected [3].
Flood warnings have been issued in Bangkok to communities living near the Chao Phraya river which runs through the city [2].
Road and rail networks, particularly north of Bangkok are reported to be disrupted [4].
A map of affected areas in Thailand can be found on the ReliefWeb website.
Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam
Greater than average rain and typhoons have caused flooding in the Mekong river basin (in Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam) since August 2011 [1].
As of 13 October, 203 people have been killed in Cambodia following flooding of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. A further one million people have been affected and over 180,000 evacuated to higher ground.
In the Mekong Delta in southern Viet Nam, 34 people have been killed, nearly 70,000 homes damaged and 250,000 people affected.
A total of 30 people in Laos are reported to have died and a further 430,000 affected.
The heavy rains are expected to continue in the area for several more weeks.
Philippines
Northern Philippines have been affected by flooding and landslides following two consecutive typhoons [5]. A total of 90 people have died and over four million affected. Tropical storm Banyan passed over the Philippines on 12 October causing a further eight deaths and 24,000 people affected [1].
Advice for travellers
Flooding increases the risk of diseases transmitted by food, water and insect vectors, as well as accidents and injuries.
Travellers should check with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for current travel advice.
Country-specific advice for travellers to countries in South East Asia is available on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages.
General advice can also be found in NaTHNaC’s health information sheet: Advice for relief workers and other travellers to areas affected by natural disasters.
Anyone wishing to join the emergency relief effort should contact appropriate aid and charity agencies for guidance.
Travelling independently, without adequate preparation, is likely to put a strain on the area’s already challenged emergency and medical services.
References
1. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Southeast Asia: Flooding as of 13 October 2011. [Accessed 14 October 2011]. Available at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHA_
ROAP_SE%20Asia%20Floods_snapshot_111013.pdf
2. Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). Thailand. Agencies gear up possible water-borne diseases. 13 October 2011. [Accessed 14 October 2011]. Available at: http://reliefweb.int/node/452610
3. Emergency Operation Center for Flood, Storms and Landslide. Thailand situation update 13 October 2011. [Accessed 14 October 2011]. Available at: http://disaster.go.th/dpm/flood/news/news_eng/EOCReport13OCT-eng[1].pdf
4. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Floods in Thailand. 12 October 2011. [Accessed 14 October 2011]. Available at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latestnews/?view=News&id=6
5. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Phippines: Typhoon Nalgae and Nesat. Situation report 13 October 2011. [Accessed 14 October 2011]. Available at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/F_R_
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