People in flood-affected areas do not use dead livestock and poultry to prepare food.

The Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) has just sent an official dispatch to northern localities affected by storms and floods to strengthen food safety and prevent poisoning.

Floods across the North have killed more than 2,500 livestock and more than 1.5 million poultry (concentrated in Hai Duong, Hai Phong, and Thai Nguyen), as of 7:00 a.m. on September 12.

The Food Safety Department recommends that people absolutely do not use dead livestock or poultry as food or to process food, and encourages the use of processed, ready-to-eat foods such as dry food, instant noodles, bottled water, etc. In case water sources such as drilled wells or open wells are flooded, the water must be filtered and disinfected before use.

For areas that are flooded or isolated by landslides, localities need to have plans to ensure the supply of food, safe drinking water for people and monitor diseases in the community. In case of digestive disorders or suspected food poisoning, they must be promptly treated to limit health impacts.

The Food Safety Department also requested units to coordinate with central and local authorities to control the quality and safety of food, foodstuffs, and drinking water provided by organizations and individuals to support people in flood-affected areas to ensure that no spoiled, moldy, crushed, or expired products reach people.

The North is suffering a lot of damage to people and property due to storm No. 3 and its circulation causing the heaviest rain and floods in the past 30 years. As of 12:30 on September 12, the whole country recorded 327 dead and missing people (199 dead, 128 missing), 807 injured.

The provinces of Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Lang Son, Bac Giang, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Lai Chau, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho... all suffered heavy damage. Many places were isolated, deeply flooded, and had to wait for food supplies.