By Ying Bun, WV Cambodia Communications

Cambodian families affected by severe flooding in early September are returning home as water levels dissipate. In the wake of the retreating water, World Vision is promoting awareness around safe health and hygiene practices, to prevent against water borne and sanitation related diseases.

“Children and their families are now returning home. Though the water levels have dropped, we are alerting people to be mindful of their health and sanitation practices, especially so children don’t fall ill. We are reminding communities that simple things like hand-washing and using soap can prevent the spread of disease,” said Dr. Yim Yaren, World Vision development manager.

“We are also working with children’s parents to help restart farming activities following the damages,” she added.

World Vision is working with Commune Disaster Management Commission to assess the flood damage to farm land, crops, and livestock. Much of the flooding occurred in Kompong Thom Province, parts of Siem Reap and more recently Preah Vihear Province.

Leng Kim Srien, a World Vision development manager working in Prasath Ballang, said World Vision planned to recruit around 30 members from their children’s clubs and peer educators to train in health care and hygiene promote to prevent the spread of disease. The community health educators will share information about the importance of purifying water before drinking it through simply boiling the water and eating well-cooked food instead of raw food.

Some 256 displaced families received emergency supplies from World Vision Cambodia including rice, canned fish, salt and non-perishable items like a mosquito net, tent, and water filters.