A public health specialist on Wednesday urged the public to exercise caution when using water sources during the festive season, warning that recent disaster conditions have altered the safety of many natural water bodies across the country.
Speaking at a media briefing organised by the Health Promotion Bureau, community medicine specialist Dr. Samitha Sirithunga said floods and other disaster-related impacts have changed water levels, depths and conditions in rivers, streams and bathing areas.
Dr. Sirithunga said locations previously considered safe may now pose serious risks due to increased depth or unstable terrain, and advised the public to seek local guidance before bathing or using unfamiliar water sources.
“Even places people have used in the past may have changed significantly. What was once shallow could now be deep and dangerous,” he said.
He also warned of an increased risk of road traffic accidents and other injuries during the school holiday period and the festive season, urging motorists, passengers and pedestrians to remain vigilant.
Citing data from previous years, Dr. Sirithunga said traffic accidents often rise during holiday periods due to driver behaviour, vehicle conditions and increased pedestrian movement.
He further advised vehicle owners to thoroughly check whether their vehicles are roadworthy before travel, stressing that proper vehicle maintenance and responsible driving could help reduce accidents during the busy holiday period. (newswire)
