Essential Medicines for Flood Relief Efforts
Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Huy, with his two decades of experience in disaster risk reduction, climate change, and livelihood research, shared in an article for Dan Tri Electronic Newspaper that during flood situations, the top priority for people is to safeguard their lives, followed by access to food, and finally, protecting their possessions.
For rescue teams, the expert emphasizes the utmost importance of ensuring their own safety first before attempting to rescue others. This is to prevent any unfortunate incidents where rescuers may inadvertently put themselves in harm’s way. It is advisable to operate under the coordination and supervision of local authorities and traffic police, refraining from independent travel to residential areas, especially in the complex and steep terrain of Northern Vietnam.
In addition to food and clean water, it is recommended to bring basic medications such as those for diarrhea and common colds. For individuals with pre-existing medical conditions requiring daily medication, it is crucial to have an adequate supply of their prescribed drugs.
Pregnant women approaching their due dates should take proactive measures to mitigate risks during labor. They may consider relocating to a hospital for professional support from medical staff.
Medicine is just as vital as food for flood-affected residents and relief workers.
According to an article by Dr. Bui Mai Huong in Suc Khoe & Doi Song Newspaper, the first essential medicine to have is a pain reliever and fever reducer, with paracetamol being the most common type. It can be administered when the body temperature rises above 38.5°C, and the application of warm compresses to the forehead, groin, and armpits does not provide relief. If fever returns after six hours, another dose can be taken.
Furthermore, as diarrhea is a common ailment during the rainy season, it is advisable to have medications like smectite intergrade or, alternatively, sirô trimebutine maleate syrup. These drugs should be taken away from mealtimes, and if diarrhea subsides, medication should be discontinued immediately to prevent constipation.
Oresol is also crucial for rehydration and electrolyte replacement. It is prudent to have some standard cough medicines on hand as well.
Flooding can lead to various skin ailments, so it is wise to prepare medications for water-related skin infections caused by fungi, such as clopheniramin, or topical antifungal treatments like ASA cream. Fresh betel leaves or crushed rau răm leaves can also be used as a natural alternative.
Due to exposure to contaminated water, eye infections like conjunctivitis are also common. Having eye drops such as physiological saline, 1% cloramphenicol, tobrex 0.4%, or tobrin 0.4% can provide relief.
To protect the medicines from moisture and ensure they remain dry, store them in sealed plastic bags and keep them in a high place, safe from flooding.
It is important to remember that these medicines only provide temporary relief and are not a substitute for proper medical care. Once the floodwaters recede, individuals should seek professional medical attention as soon as possible if their symptoms persist.
Other Essential Supplies for Flood-Affected Communities
During flooding, access to clean food and water becomes critical, as most water sources are contaminated. As flooding often results in power outages and limited cooking facilities, non-perishable food items such as cakes, dry food, milk, bread, canned meat, and fruits like bananas are ideal in such emergencies.
In addition to the essential medicines mentioned above, hygiene products are also in high demand, including bathing and laundry soap, feminine hygiene products, sanitary pads, diapers, and more.
For clothing, waterproof boots or galoshes are essential to keep feet dry, along with dry clothing for both adults and children, and bedding like blankets and mosquito nets.
Finally, for safety, life jackets, flashlights or lanterns, and even boats can be invaluable during rescue and relief operations.
