Thailand flooding hits Ratchaburi as health risks rise

Flooding has returned to the Hat Sai Photharam riverside area in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand, following heavy rainfall and increased water discharge from the Mae Klong Dam. The rising water in the Mae Klong River has submerged parking areas under more than 1.20 metres of water and damaged riverside structures, including a pavilion, a connecting bridge, and playground equipment. Photharam Municipality has proactively cut electricity in high-risk zones to ensure safety.

Beyond the immediate physical damage, medical experts are warning of significant health risks associated with the contaminated floodwaters. The water contains a mixture of municipal sewage, agricultural runoff, and animal waste. Infectious disease specialists highlight the danger of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals like rats, which can enter the human body through cuts or mucous membranes. Other risks include skin infections, fungal conditions, and an increased threat of dengue fever due to rising mosquito populations in stagnant water.