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KUCHING (Feb 3) – The Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed that no flood victims housed in temporary evacuation centres (PPS) across Sarawak and Sabah have been found to suffer from mental health issues requiring hospital referrals.
According to a statement from MoH, the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) teams have been actively deployed to these centres. These teams comprise family medicine specialists, medical officers, psychologists, paramedics, and other healthcare personnel.
Mental Health Support for Flood Victims
The MHPSS teams have conducted various intervention activities to support evacuees, including relaxation techniques, art therapy, and psycho-education sessions. These efforts aim to help flood victims cope with stress and emotional distress caused by the disaster.
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Common Illnesses Reported Among Evacuees
While no mental health cases were identified, MoH reported several health issues among evacuees. A total of 9,379 flood victims at PPS have been examined and treated for various illnesses, including:
- 671 cases of acute respiratory tract infections
- 82 cases of skin infections
- 37 cases of acute gastroenteritis
- 17 cases of conjunctivitis
- 1 case of hand, foot, and mouth disease
Fortunately, no cases of chickenpox, typhoid, leptospirosis, Covid-19, or any other outbreak incidents have been reported.
Health Teams Mobilised in Sarawak and Sabah
To ensure the well-being of evacuees, both the Sarawak and Sabah State Health Departments (JKN) have mobilised multiple medical and health teams to affected areas.
- Sarawak: 37 medical teams and 30 health teams deployed.
- Sabah: 16 medical teams and 27 health teams deployed.
Flood Impact on Healthcare Facilities
The recent floods have also affected healthcare infrastructure in the region. MoH previously reported that 30 healthcare facilities in Sarawak were impacted, but 22 have since resumed operations. In Sabah, all 27 affected healthcare facilities are now back in operation.
Current Flood Situation
As of now, Sarawak has recorded 12,409 flood victims across 64 PPS, while Sabah has 1,453 victims in nine PPS. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected residents.