Baha Safety Guide: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

For many residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, flooding during strong typhoons is a common occurrence. What’s alarming, however, is that even a few hours of torrential downpour from the habagat (southwest monsoon) can now submerge streets and communities. On August 30, 2025, for example, 134.2 millimeters (mm) of rainfall was recorded within a matter of three hours – nearly one week’s worth of rain – flooding Quezon City and other parts of the metropolis.

Beyond damaged homes, unpassable streets, stranded commuters, suspended classes, and the controversy surrounding flood control cases, flooding poses a significant public health risk. Without proper precautions, wading through floodwaters can turn from an inconvenience into a medical emergency. This health guide is here to help protect you and your loved ones from the risks of floodwaters.

Hidden Dangers of Flooding

Floodwaters are a dangerous mix of rainwater, garbage, chemicals, animal waste, pollutants, and other debris. Beware of these murky waters because they can be a breeding ground for various pathogens. Here are some of the diseases and hazards you need to be aware of during and after a flood:

Gastrointestinal Illness

Heavy rains and flooding can affect a city’s sewage and drainage systems, causing raw sewage to overflow and mix with floodwaters. Eating or drinking anything contaminated by floodwater can lead to diarrheal diseases, such as infections with E. coli or Salmonella.

Safety Guidelines:

Practice safe hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, especially before eating. Use alcohol or disinfecting wipes if soap and clean water aren’t available.
Avoid consuming food or water that has been in contact with floodwater.
Boil drinking water for at least one minute, or opt for bottled water when available.

Leptospirosis

When floodwaters rise, so does the risk of leptospirosis, a disease caused by a bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. People who wade through contaminated floodwaters are at risk of infection as the bacteria can enter your body through any open wounds, cuts, or even small breaks in the skin on your feet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leptospirosis can include a wide range of symptoms including fever, muscle aches, headache, chills, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, red eyes, rash, and jaundice. Many symptoms of leptospirosis can be mistaken for other diseases, such as flu. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like kidney failure and even death.

Safety Guidelines:

Stay out of floodwaters if you have cuts or open wounds.
If you must go through floodwaters, protect any wounds with a secure, waterproof bandage. Wear boots and protective clothing.
Wash wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water after getting in floodwaters to lower the risk of infection.
Don’t ignore possible leptospirosis symptoms—consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Typhoid Fever

Cases of typhoid fever often spike during and after floods because they create ideal conditions for the spread of Salmonella bacteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of typhoid fever can be quite similar to those of leptospirosis, which is why both diseases are often difficult to diagnose without specific laboratory tests. Lack or absence of proper treatment can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening complications, especially for children.

Safety Guidelines:

Use safe drinking water (boiled, treated, or bottled).
Practice safe food handling and eat freshly cooked meals if possible.
Get prompt treatment if you develop symptoms.

Dengue

While dengue fever is not caused by flood waters, the stagnant pools left behind can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk for this viral infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), symptoms may include high fever (40°C), severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea or vomiting, pain behind the eyes, swollen glands, and rash. Unlike a bacterial infection, which can be treated with antibiotics, there is no specific cure for dengue. Medical care for dengue focuses on managing the symptoms and providing supportive care.

Safety Guidelines:

Eliminate stagnant water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding.
Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing.
Seek medical care immediately if you develop symptoms of dengue.

Skin Infections and Rashes

Prolonged exposure to floodwaters can cause the softening of the skin (maceration), making you susceptible to bacterial, fungal, and other infections. Irritants in the water can cause swelling, redness, rashes, and abscesses, especially if you have pre-existing cuts or wounds.

Safety Guidelines:

Change out of wet clothes and take a bath as soon as possible after contact with floodwater.
Treat cuts and scrapes immediately with an antiseptic.
See a doctor if you develop skin infections.

Other Hazards

Lurking in the murky waters are hidden hazards that can cause anything from minor injuries to fatal accidents. Broken glass, metal, and other sharp debris can inflict wounds and deep cuts. Exposed manholes pose a serious risk of falls and injury, while downed power lines can turn floodwaters deadly through electrocution.

Safety Guidelines:

Turn off gas, electricity, and water when floodwaters begin rising inside your home.
Avoid walking in floodwaters to reduce the risk of hidden sharp objects, open manholes, or electrocution.
Stay away from downed power lines and report them to authorities.
If walking through floodwaters is unavoidable, use a stick to check the ground ahead before each step.

Conclusion

Floods bring more than rising waters; they also carry serious health risks that can endanger you and your family during and after the floodwaters have subsided. By staying informed about potential diseases and hazards, taking preventive measures, and seeking medical care when necessary, you can greatly reduce the chances of illness or injury. For greater peace of mind, getting a prepaid health emergency card Philippines gives you and your loved ones quick access to medical assistance when it matters most, helping you stay protected during life’s unexpected emergencies.

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