About this time last year I was wading through waist deep leech infested murky water just to get my home. No I don’t leave in the middle of a rice paddy or in a remote jungle. My home is in the middle of suburban Sanur, and so far twice in the past decade I have had to canoe from the main road to my front door.
There is no telling when we will have another mega-wet, but when we do you’d better be prepared to get wet feet!
Floods can occur gradually or they can occur very suddenly (flash-floods). Flash floods usually happen when the usual drainage systems such as rivers, drains or dams cannot cope with the downpour and bust their banks. Flash floods are more likely to cause injury or death.
If you’re expecting flooding in your area:
Keep the radio or television tuned to weather or emergency information. Communication systems are never the best on this Island, and warnings issued to the local population may not reach expatriates un less they listen to local media (Radio/TV). If you feel there may be a threat of flood regardless of the lack of warning systems, act anyway to protect your self and your family.
Beware of flash flooding. Do not wait for instructions to move if authorities think flash flooding is possible.
Beware of streams, ditches, drainage channels, and other low-lying areas. Footpaths and roads seem to collapse very easily in Bali. If there is flooding on the footpath never assume that the road is intact. Carry a wooden stick to feel your way before you step into a very deep hole. Make sure that children are aware not to play or walk in the flood waters. Small bodies can get sucked in to drains very easily.
If you must evacuate, you should do the following:
Secure your home and make sure all occupants of the home are prepared to leave, including pets.
If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture.
Move essential items up off the floor, or to an upper floor.
Unplug electrical appliances.
Turn off utilities (gas and electric) at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If you must walk through water, only go through standing water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.
Driving through flooded areas is extremely dangerous.
Never drive through flood water especially if it is torrential and flowing.
When the rain stops and the waters are still.
When the rains stop and the waters subside a whole new set of health risks will emerge. Diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, and lymphatic filariasis are spread through mosquito bites (See related articles on these diseases on Bali Advertiser website).
Avoid the flood waters as much as possible. Flood waters may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems and agricultural and industrial bi-products causing severe gastro-intestinal illnesses such as typhoid fever, hepatitis, cholera, e-coli, giardia etc. Other serious germs are present in the water as well and some can enter through broken skin where infection can set in.
You might want to consider putting together a “72 hour” survival kit just incase severe flooding or other disaster situations occur
Water
Dehydration and disease from dirty water is one of the foremost concerns following a major disaster. You should prepare a three-day supply of water for everyone in your home. You should be able to survive on about 6-8 glasses of water a day and let’s face it we are talking “survival” here! Store the water in opaque plastic containers (sealed 4 liter Aqua bottles are ideal). Change this water every six months. It is also worth keeping a supply of water purification tablets (not available here in Bali). Don’t forget to use other water sources such as coconuts.
You will fare much better if you add re-hydration salts or electrolytes to your water. Keep sachets of oralyte (2 per person per day) in your emergency supplies.
Food
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, canned juices, milk.
High energy foods such as dried fruit, crackers, granola bars, unsalted nuts (that will not increase thirst).
Foods for infants, elderly, persons with special dietary needs
Be aware that rice & pasta need to be cooked which means that you will need both water and heating, so it is not a good idea to rely on these as your first line source of emergency food supplies.
First Aid Kit
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap/ wet-wipes.
Triangular bandages
Non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicines.
Broad spectrum antibiotics such as Amoxil.
Various roller bandages
Scissors, tweezers, needle
Antiseptic – Betadine.
Thermometer
First aid manual.
Special needs medication for your family e.g. asthma or diabetic supplies.
Other Health Concerns
Always make sure that your family’s vaccines are up to date, especially for Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A as these diseases are rampant following disasters. (Cholera vaccine is no longer used).
Make yourself aware of basic first aid measures.
Tools and Supplies
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Non-electric can opener or a utility knife
Pliers
Tape
Matches in a waterproof container
Candles
Aluminum foil
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Sanitation
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Plastic garbage bags and ties
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Household chlorine bleach
Documents
Store family documents (passports, medical records etc.) in a waterproof bag or container. It is also wise to store passport details / numbers on your person (e.g. in your cell phone memory), should you need to evacuate the island quickly.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
