What about health risks?
The Rotary clubs were among the first to jump into action with the clean-up following the Monday August 7, 2017 flash flood that ripped through the island and while unveiling further relief and clean-up efforts at a press conference on August 11, 2017, a reporter asked about the health risks that are likely to arise.
Rotary Deputy District Governor Elvis J. Harrigan aka 'Juggie' said, "From a Rotary Standpoint, Rotary has what we call a disaster chair that sits on the DDM board in the person of Ryan Guluk, a past president. And each rotary club has a disaster chair also that collaborates with different organisations so they have information that would be channelled through those chairs, including with Red Cross."
Concerns about outbreaks in Mosquito borne diseases
Additionally, President of the Rotary Club of Tortola Karia J. Christopher assured that they are in contact with the BVI Health Services Authority especially as they are concerned about the possibility of Zika and Chikungunya outbreaks.
"Obviously we are not the body to champion the cause but we can push and they have been very receptive."
"Wear dust masks during clean-ups," says director of the BVI Red Cross Mrs Helen Frett as she said the air may be very polluted and the odour emanating from the mud, soak holes and others are potential hazards for airborne diseases.
In other sections, persons have been appealing for the authorities to be proactive about health issues that can potentially rise due to flood waters.
It is not clear at this time whether there has been any upsurge in diseases linked to the recent floods and the aftermath in the Territory.
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15 Responses to “What about health risks?”
determine the plan going forward. You would think the Rotary would know who they have to collaborate with on such a public health issue.
What is the Ministry of Health doing??? Not a thing!!!