In the midst of heavy rains and roads being flooded, health officials affiliated with the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) urged people living in the Municipality to stay alert to possible health hazards which could be caused by the prevailing weather.

CMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni told The Daily Morning yesterday (17) that the CMC had already informed people in affected areas in Colombo suburbs to be very concerned about their health conditions and sanitary status. He said that CMC health officials are closely monitoring the prevailing situation in order to assist city dwellers who are in need. 

Wijayamuni added that issues relating to sanitary facilities – which is a common problem existing within the Municipality – could be increased with this weather condition, and that therefore, people should be responsible in following regular health instructions given by the Council in such a situation. He also requested the public to be vigilant about the quality of drinking water in order to prevent diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. He also informed people to not walk on flooded roads, since contaminated water could cause skin diseases.

The CMC issued these warnings as several areas in Colombo – including Maradana, Panchikawatta, and Armour Street – have been flooded due to the prevailing heavy showers. Meanwhile, the Meteorology Department mentioned that the inter-tropical convergence zone, where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, is affecting the island’s weather.