Flooding in Odessa: How to Protect Yourself from Infections and Preserve Your Health
A severe rainstorm that began overnight on September 30 caused extensive flooding in the city of Odessa, resulting in widespread inundation of residential areas, agricultural lands, water sources, and cemeteries.
As a consequence of the disaster, residents faced increased risks of infectious diseases due to the potential contamination of water and soil with pathogens from hazardous sites such as landfills, carcass burial sites, cemeteries, and industrial chemicals.
Experts from the National Public Health Center issued crucial recommendations to prevent infections and safeguard health.
They advise using only bottled or officially supplied drinking water, refraining from using wells and boreholes, even for washing dishes or laundry.
If access to imported water is unavailable, boiling water for 5–10 minutes is essential, followed by allowing it to settle and carefully pouring it into clean containers without disturbing the sediment.
Keeping water in tightly sealed containers is another important safety measure.
Regarding food, it is strictly forbidden to consume wet or unpackaged products exposed to water, as well as home-canned goods with swollen or rusted lids.
Only hermetically sealed products can be safely consumed, but they must be thoroughly washed and, if possible, scalded before eating.
Rapid consumption of affected foods is recommended.
Hygiene measures are vital: washing hands with soap, using antiseptics or sanitizing wipes if water is scarce, cleaning and boiling dishes after floodwaters recede, and drying and washing wet clothes in hot water with cleaning agents.
Furthermore, drying and disinfecting affected rooms and belongings help prevent secondary infections.
To receive assistance, residents should find out where relief points for water and food are organized in their area and contact local authorities or volunteers for support.
According to the State Emergency Service, nine people, including a child, lost their lives due to the storm in Odessa.
Over 360 people were rescued, and 227 vehicles were evacuated from danger zones.