The DoH said that the public should be aware of the health effects and the preventive measures against the following diseases: acute gastro-enteritis, typhoid fever. Cholera, hepatitis-A, leptospirosis, dengue, and malaria.

Leptospirosis is usually acquired when a person with an open wound in his feet wades through flood waters contaminated with urine of infected animals, mostly rats. The disease can be prevented by wearing rubber boots when wading through flood waters.

Dengue and malaria that are passed to humans by the virus-carrying mosquitoes. Prevention is done by keeping surroundings always clean.

To prevent typhoid fever, gastroenteritis and cholera, drinking water must be boiled or chlorinated, the DoH said, if the sources are not potable.

Washing of hands must also be done before preparing or handling food and after using the toilet.

When a flood advisory is issued, residents in low-lying areas should stay in higher grounds, and avoid crossing low-lying areas and bridges during evacuation, the DoH said.