After the floods in Libya...the risks of cholera and malaria infection
Weather of Arabia - Libya, the country located in North Africa, witnessed the devastating Derna flood in the recent period, which caused huge human and material losses. These natural disasters have a significant impact on the health of the population, as they increase the possibility of the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera and malaria , and in this In this article, we will take a look at the risks of spreading cholera and the measures that must be taken to prevent it.
Daniel storm in Libya
In early September , the Mediterranean region was attacked by Storm Daniel , causing catastrophic floods and heavy rains in various regions of Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece. In the Greek province of Thessaly, we witnessed unprecedented rainfall for 18 months in just one day. The rising river water levels submerged villages and towns, resulting in the death of 15 people and the destruction of buildings, infrastructure, and crops.
The storm then moved south, making landfall in Libya on September 10 and in just 24 hours, dumping up to 400mm of rain on areas that normally receive about 540mm annually.
The repercussions of the floods in Greece may seem less compared to the great destruction and huge human losses caused by Hurricane Daniel on the Libyan coast, especially in the coastal city of Derna, where very heavy rains fell. Which led to the collapse of two dams, resulting in the death of more than 11 thousand people and the disappearance of many others, as well as the destruction of entire neighborhoods and major damage to urban infrastructure.
Cholera in Libya
While the country is being debated about responsibility for the damage caused by Hurricane Daniel, the current main focus is on preventing the spread of diseases among the population. In Libya, many bodies have been left in the streets, or buried in mass graves due to a lack of burial bags, raising fears of the spread of epidemics. , especially cholera, as a result of stagnant water that is found in many cities. What is cholera? How was it dealt with?
Cholera
It is an intestinal infection caused by a bacterial bacillus called Vibrio Cholera and is usually transmitted through water contaminated with cholera bacteria. Mass vaccination operations have begun for specific groups, starting with health workers and children, as well as rescue workers working to exhume bodies.
Measures that must be taken to prevent cholera
- Awareness: The population must be made aware of the danger of the spread of this disease and how to avoid it.
- Water purity: Drinking water must be purified and disinfected and residents of affected areas must have access to clean water.
- Personal hygiene: Promote personal hygiene practices and wash hands regularly.
- Immediate treatment: Health care services and immediate treatment must be provided for any suspected cases of cholera.
International and humanitarian role
Humanitarian organizations and international organizations must provide assistance and support to the population affected by the floods in Libya, and they can provide assistance by providing clean water, medicines and medical services to those in need.
Local authorities, humanitarian organizations and the international community must take immediate action to address the risk of cholera following floods in Libya. The lives and health of the population depend on a rapid and effective response to this health crisis.
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