Thai health officials monitor mental health of flood victims

CHACHERNGSAO, THAILAND, October 26 (TNA) - As more than 40 Thai provinces have been affected by floods since mid-September 2013, Deputy Public Health Sorawong Thienthong says that a survey from his ministry's mobile medical units showed satisfying that only about 160,000 flood victims had suffered from athlete's foot, rashes, and flu, while there were no reports of epidemic in flooded areas. Sorawong told reporters on Saturday that his ministry's officials have kept a close monitoring of the mental health of flood victims, particularly in areas where flooding has prolonged. According to the deputy minister, measures to help ease the stress of flood victims will be carried on in all affected areas for 3-6 months. The deputy health minister urged those affected by floods to try to adapt to their losses and to solve each problem carefully. The Ministry of Interior's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that flooding has remained in 16 Thai provinces, with 80 deaths and more than 533,000 other people affected. Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra suggested during her one-day visit to Khon Kaen Province in the Thai Northeast that Thailand's long-term water management will be followed His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's advice. (TNA)