POTENTIAL atmospheric instability over the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea is expected to cause strong monsoon winds, active cloud formation, and scattered to widespread rainfall across various regions, according to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology.

The forecast warns that some areas may face heavy rain along with thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and even hail. This severe weather may also lead to flash floods and landslides. People living in highland areas are particularly advised to watch for landslides, while those near rivers and streams should remain alert for flooding. The department has already issued early warn­ings to help the public take preventive measures.

Recent weather updates report flooding and rising water lev­els in the upper reaches of the Ayeyawady and Chindwin Rivers, as well as other parts of central Myanmar. These developments signal that the monsoon sea­son could bring natural disas­ters such as floods, prompting the need for communities to prepare in advance. Further­more, residents are advised to remain cautious about health risks associated with inundated towns and villag­es, especially in rural areas. Hence, authorities need to stockpile hygiene and safe food in advance for flood-af­fected people, while health officials need to raise public awareness of how to resolve health problems during flood times.

Floodwaters can con­taminate water supplies, giving rise to various diseas­es. These include diarrhoea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), bird flu, and skin in­fections such as scabies and boils. Many of these illnesses are communicable and can spread quickly if precautions aren’t taken.

Cholera, a severe diar­rhoeal disease, can spread through food and water con­taminated by Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium found in the faeces of infected individuals. Typhoid fever spreads similarly and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Hepatitis A, another highly contagious illness, is also transmitted through contaminated food and water and can result in sudden, severe illness or even death. Mosquito-borne diseases like DHF and chikungunya are also a concern following flooding, as stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. This increases the risk of disease outbreaks in affected areas.

To reduce health risks after flooding, residents are urged to ensure their food and drinking water are clean, practice good personal hygiene, dress appropriately for the weather, avoid mosquito bites, and remain cautious of additional dangers such as snakes, exposed electrical wires, and collapsing homes. Taking these steps can help communities stay safe and healthy during the monsoon season.