New dangers lurk in flood as water recedes

• Source: Global Times
• [02:00 June 29 2010]
• Comments

A local resident navigates a street in Fuzhou, Jiangxi Province on Sunday. The flood began to recede but has left behind piles of rubbish and animal carcasses, raising fears of health problems. Photo: CFP

By Fu Wen

As floodwaters recede in Fuzhou in Jiangxi Province and in other cities, health authorities are warning people to be on alert for water-borne illnesses and to take measures to prevent infectious diseases.

An official surnamed Ding from the Fuzhou Health Bureau told the Global Times Monday that they're spraying and sterilizing all flooded areas as a precautionary measure.

"We are determined to disinfect every part of the city as soon as the flood withdraws to make sure the living environment is clean and the drinking water is safe," Ding said.

A major dyke that broke during the flood was fixed on Sunday and the water was receding from the city.

In addition, Central China's Hunan Province and East China's Fujian Province were also carrying out disinfection work to prevent potential infectious diseases.

Fuzhou government has budgeted 400,000 yuan ($58,865) to bury dead pets, poultry and pigs that perished during the flood, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Many shops reopened Monday in Changkai township in Fuzhou but the owners were preoccupied with cleaning up the mess left by the deep and dirty water.

"There are piles of garbage lying on the streets including mud, excrement and dead animal bodies that fouls the air," Xu Zhangke, the township chief, told the Global Times.

"No infectious disease cases were reported yet but we are encouraging all residents to clean their homes and streets to keep the environment safe," said Xu. "The disinfection work will be finished within three days."