What the News Reported: Flooding in Soi Ban Don Sai-Nong Wiang 1, Don Sai, Ban Pho

According to Daily News, on 2 to 3 October 2026 continuous heavy rain fell across Mueang Chachoengsao and Ban Pho districts. In Soi Ban Don Sai-Nong Wiang 1, Moo 2, Don Sai Subdistrict, the water was more than 1.50 metres deep. Rescue workers used a boat to help an 80-year-old woman who had been stuck in her house for four days, and moved 18 cats up onto the roof. They also found an electrical leak in front of the house and large numbers of leeches in the water.

Nationally, according to Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) data published by the Government Public Relations Department, as of 06:00 on 7 October 2026 floods affected 27 provinces plus Bangkok, 123 districts and 984 subdistricts, totalling 1,154,875 households, or more than 3.1 million people. These numbers change daily; follow the latest local announcements.

Sources: Daily News (2 to 3 October 2026) and the Government Public Relations Department citing DDPM (7 October 2026). This article adds no personal details about the people in the report and no figures beyond the original sources.

An Example Case: A Single-Storey Home in Ban Pho With an Elderly Father and Several Cats

Note: this is a typical scenario based on situations often seen after floods in rural eastern Thailand. It is not about the people in the news report and not the account of any customer.

Ek works in Chachoengsao town. His father, in his seventies, lives alone in a low single-storey house in a subdistrict of Ban Pho, with several cats, some of them strays that came for food and stayed. After days of heavy rain, water from the surrounding fields rose faster than anyone expected. His father refused to leave because he was worried about the cats, until volunteers finally took him out by boat and moved the cats somewhere higher.

Days later, when the level dropped, Ek was the first to go back in. Thick dark-brown mud covered the floor. The litter tray had floated into a corner. Cat food had turned soggy and mouldy. His father's mattress was soaked through. The water line on the walls reached almost to the light switches, and the air smelled of mud, animal urine and stagnant water. Standing at the door, he noticed a leech on his trouser leg and realised no electrician had checked the wiring yet.

Ek had three questions. Is the house electrically safe? When can his elderly father move back? And how can the cats return without bringing more germs in, or picking germs up from the house? Answering all three starts with understanding what this kind of flood leaves behind.

Why Homes in Don Sai, Ban Pho Need Extra Care With Germs After the Flood

Homes in Don Sai and wider Ban Pho are spread among farmland and low-lying areas. During sustained heavy rain, water that passes through fields, animal pens, septic tanks and rubbish heaps collects in lanes and flows into houses. Water deeper than 1.50 metres, as reported, is above the level of sockets, cabinets and beds in most single-storey homes, so almost every surface inside has been in direct contact with floodwater.

Homes with many pets carry extra factors: litter trays, droppings, pet food and fur mixed into mud can all harbour bacteria and fungi. Animals kept on a roof or high shelf for days may be stressed, hungry and less resistant to illness. Rats escaping the water may move into empty houses, and their urine is the source of leptospirosis.

Large numbers of leeches signal that the water was still and stayed for a long time. Leech bites and scratches from frightened pets are openings for bacteria. Above all, the electrical leak must be dealt with before anything else. Never enter a house with standing water unless you are sure the power is off, and have an electrician or the Provincial Electricity Authority check the system before switching back on.

Flood-Borne Germs in Don Sai, Ban Pho, Chachoengsao

The following is general public-health information about germs often found after floods in rural homes with pets and farmland nearby. It is not a test result from this area and not treatment advice. Anyone who feels unwell should see a doctor, and sick pets should see a vet.

1. Leptospira, the cause of leptospirosis (โรคฉี่หนู)

How floodwater spreads it: the bacteria leave the body in the urine of rats and some other animals and survive in standing water and mud, so water flowing through fields and pens carries them into homes. Where it hides after the water recedes: puddles around the house, wet mud on floors, storage corners and under cabinets. Symptoms and who is at risk: sudden high fever, headache, severe calf pain and red eyes; people who wade for long periods or have leech bites and scratches are more exposed. Prevention: wear rubber boots and gloves, wash with soap after wading, and see a doctor promptly if fever develops within a few weeks of wading.

2. Burkholderia pseudomallei, the cause of melioidosis, from soil and mud

How floodwater spreads it: this bacterium lives in soil and surface water in many parts of Thailand, and heavy rain and floods wash that soil into homes. Where it hides: mud deposited on floors, yards and plant pots. Symptoms and who is at risk: fever, cough, abscesses or wounds that do not heal; older people and those with diabetes or kidney disease are at higher risk. Prevention: wear boots and gloves when shovelling mud, keep wounds away from mud, and if you have diabetes and develop a fever after the flood, tell your doctor about the mud exposure.

3. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and faecal bacteria

How floodwater spreads it: overflowing septic tanks, animal droppings and wastewater mix into floodwater. Where it hides: kitchen and bathroom floors, water containers and pet bowls. Symptoms and who is at risk: diarrhoea and stomach cramps; young children and older adults can become dehydrated. Prevention: wash hands with soap, discard food that touched floodwater, and clean then disinfect surfaces.

4. Salmonella

How floodwater spreads it: it is found in the droppings of many animals, including poultry and pets, and in food that spoiled during power cuts. Where it hides: litter trays, pet bowls, fridges and chopping boards. Symptoms and who is at risk: fever, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; older people and young children may be more severely affected. Prevention: wear gloves when cleaning litter trays and droppings, wash hands every time, and keep pet dishes separate from people's dishes.

5. Vibrio

How floodwater spreads it: these bacteria are usually found in brackish water and seawater. In low-lying areas where fresh and brackish water mix, or where seafood has spoiled, they may be present. Where they hide: standing puddles, seafood containers and kitchen surfaces. Symptoms and who is at risk: diarrhoea, or wound infection when an open cut touches the water; people with liver disease or weak immunity face more serious illness. Prevention: keep open wounds out of floodwater, discard spoiled seafood, and see a doctor quickly if a wound becomes red and swollen and spreads fast.

6. Norovirus and rotavirus

How floodwater spreads them: they contaminate water and food and spread easily when people crowd into shelters or relatives' homes. Where they hide: door handles, taps, dining tables and shared dishes. Symptoms and who is at risk: vomiting and diarrhoea; elderly people who were trapped for days and may already be dehydrated need extra care. Prevention: drink safe water, wash hands with soap and water, and clean shared surfaces.

7. Staphylococcus aureus, leech bites and scratches

How floodwater spreads it: leech bites, scratches from frightened animals and cuts from hidden debris let skin bacteria and waterborne germs into the wound. Where it hides: wet towels, bed sheets and clothing. Symptoms and who is at risk: red, swollen, warm wounds or pus; wounds heal more slowly in older adults and people with diabetes. Prevention: do not yank a leech off forcefully, wash the wound with clean water and soap, keep it covered and dry, and ask a doctor about tetanus vaccination for cuts from sharp or dirty objects.

8. Skin fungi (dermatophytes), including ringworm from pets

How floods spread them: feet soaked for long periods soften and develop the condition Thais call nam kat tao. Some skin fungi also pass from pets such as cats to people, especially when animals stay in damp places. Where they hide: doormats, pet beds, blankets and favourite sleeping spots. Symptoms and who is at risk: itchy red ring-shaped rashes, scaling and peeling feet; children and people who cuddle pets often are more exposed. Prevention: dry feet well, change socks often, wash or discard soaked pet bedding, and take pets with circular patches of hair loss to a vet.

9. Respiratory viruses: influenza and RSV

How floods spread them: crowding, cool damp air and exhaustion during floods increase spread through droplets and surfaces. Where they hide: phones, grab rails, door handles and pillows. Symptoms and who is at risk: fever, cough and breathlessness; people aged 65 and over and young children are at risk of pneumonia. Prevention: wear a mask when sick, wash hands often, and ask a doctor about flu vaccination for older adults.

10. Household moulds (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys)

How floods spread them: materials wet for longer than 24 to 48 hours begin to grow mould, so a house under more than one and a half metres of water for days is at very high risk. Where they hide: wooden walls, ceilings, mattresses, wardrobes, wet pet food and paper documents. Symptoms and who is at risk: coughing, sneezing, asthma flare-ups and eye irritation; people with weak immunity risk fungal lung infection. Prevention: discard porous items that stayed wet, ventilate, dry the house quickly and wear a mask when cleaning mould.

How this links to disinfection spraying: WHO and CDC advise cleaning flood-contaminated surfaces first and then disinfecting. According to WHD's service information, CHEMGENE HLD4H is stated to cover viruses, bacteria and fungi, with named organisms including Salmonella, norovirus, influenza H1N1 and H5N1, and RSV. The other germs listed here, such as Leptospira, Burkholderia, E. coli, Vibrio, rotavirus, Staphylococcus and dermatophytes, belong to the bacteria, virus or fungi groups the product says it covers, but this article claims no specific test result for them. Ask WHD directly if you need test data for a particular organism.

The Impact on Don Sai Households After the Water Recedes

Health: elderly people trapped for days are often exhausted, dehydrated and short of sleep, so their immunity drops. Returning to a home that is still damp, with mould or bacteria on surfaces, makes repeat illness more likely. Pets kept up high for a long time can also become stressed and unwell.

Money: water above one and a half metres ruins most appliances, mattresses and ground-level furniture. Leaking wiring may need repair, before even counting pet care and medical bills.

Safety: electrical leaks and slippery floors are very dangerous for older adults, so cleanup must start with cutting the power and a professional check.

Wellbeing: for older people attached to their homes and animals, being away is hard. Returning sooner to a clean, safe house supports recovery in body and mind.

Why Hosing Out the Mud and Running Fans Is Not Enough

• Mud that seeps into tile grout, wall joints and furniture legs is hard to remove with water alone.
• Detergent lifts dirt well but is not designed to reduce germs on surfaces.
• Bleach mixed at the wrong strength or combined with other cleaners can release irritating gases that harm elderly people and pets.
• Odour sprays mask animal urine and musty smells for a while but do not deal with the cause.
• Areas pets use, such as sleeping corners, litter spots and under tables, are often overlooked.
• Children working elsewhere may only have a few days to come home and clean, so coverage is patchy.

Once mud has been removed and the house washed, disinfection spraying by trained technicians is a useful extra step that reduces germs on surfaces across the whole house in a systematic way before elderly residents and pets return.

How WHD's Post-Flood Disinfection Works for Homes in Don Sai, Ban Pho

According to World Health Disinfection (WHD) service information, trained technicians spray and/or apply a fine ULV (Ultra Low Volume) mist using CHEMGENE HLD4H, a medical-grade disinfectant from the United Kingdom containing Benzalkonium Chloride and Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride. The service page states it covers viruses, bacteria and fungi, including COVID-19, RSV, H1N1, H5N1 and hand-foot-and-mouth virus, claims 99.99% efficacy, and lists approvals or references from the Thai Department of Medical Sciences, Mahidol University, NHS England and EN 14476:2013+A2:2019.

1. Survey and safety check: send photos of the house, the water line on the walls and the areas pets use by LINE or phone, and confirm an electrician has checked the wiring before a date is set.
2. Mud removal and washing: the owner or a cleaning team removes mud, discards porous items such as mattresses, carpets and pet beds, and washes surfaces with clean water and detergent. Spraying always comes after this step.
3. Zoning: start with the elderly resident's bedroom, the kitchen, the bathroom and pet corners, then other rooms, the veranda and the area around the house.
4. Spraying: technicians treat frequently touched surfaces, lower walls, table legs, doors and the places animals used. People, cats and all other pets must leave each zone while it is sprayed.
5. Re-entry: according to the service information, wait about 30 minutes before normal use. Follow the time the technicians give on the day, ventilate, and only then bring elderly residents and pets back.

WHD is based in Bang Khae, Bangkok 10160. Jobs in Chachoengsao, including Ban Pho, are arranged via 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268. There is no branch in the province and flood-season demand is high, so contact the team early. If musty or animal odours remain after spraying, ask about the complementary residential ozone disinfection service.

10 Reasons Don Sai Homes Should Disinfect Before Elders and Pets Return

1. Older residents have lower immunity after days in flood conditions and deserve a home with fewer germs.
2. Multi-pet homes hold germ sources in droppings, litter trays and wet pet food.
3. Water above 1.50 metres touched nearly every surface in a single-storey house.
4. ULV mist reaches corners, furniture legs and rough surfaces better than wiping.
5. Medical-grade disinfectant: CHEMGENE HLD4H according to the service information, stated to cover viruses, bacteria and fungi.
6. Less pressure on family members who can only come home for a few days.
7. Less mould on cleaned surfaces when combined with drying.
8. Short wait: according to the service information, about 30 minutes before use.
9. A clear process from survey and zoning to spraying and stated re-entry time.
10. Extras and paperwork: according to the service information, a free CHEMGENE spray bottle and WELLGIENIC wet tissues, plus a tax invoice on request. See service details.

Before and After: A Ban Pho Home Restored Step by Step

After-Flood Checklist for Don Sai, Ban Pho

Safety before entering

• Switch off the main power; if water still blocks the main switch, contact the Provincial Electricity Authority.
• Have an electrician check the system before switching anything on.
• Wear rubber boots, gloves, long trousers and a mask.
• Check your body for leeches after wading and keep any bite clean.

While cleaning

• Remove mud and discard wet mattresses, carpets, pet food and litter.
• Wash surfaces with clean water and detergent and open the windows.
• Throw away food and drinking water that touched floodwater and clean the fridge.
• Photograph damage for assistance claims.

Before and after spraying

• Board pets elsewhere or keep them in carriers outside the zone, and move elderly residents out temporarily.
• Store food, dishes, medicines and pet bowls in closed places.
• Wait for the technicians' stated time, ventilate, then go back in.
• See a doctor for fever, calf pain, diarrhoea or infected wounds; take a lethargic pet that will not eat to a vet.

FAQ: Post-Flood Disinfection in Don Sai, Ban Pho

Q: The house still has an electrical leak. Can it be sprayed?
A: No. An electrician must inspect and fix the wiring first. People's safety comes before every other step.

Q: Can cats and other pets stay inside during spraying?
A: No. All pets must leave the zone being sprayed and return only at the time the technicians give, after ventilation.

Q: Do we need to wash the house before spraying?
A: Yes. Spraying follows mud removal and washing, because mud blocks the disinfectant from reaching germs.

Q: How long until we can go back in?
A: According to the service information, about 30 minutes, but follow the technicians' instructions on the day.

Q: After spraying, can we stop worrying about leptospirosis?
A: No. Spraying reduces germs on cleaned indoor surfaces, but you still need care when wading in water or mud outside, and should see a doctor if fever follows.

Q: Does WHD serve Ban Pho?
A: WHD is in Bang Khae, Bangkok, and arranges Chachoengsao jobs via 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268. Dates depend on the queue.

Q: Does the product leave no residue?
A: This article makes no residue-free claim. If anyone at home or any pet is sensitive to chemicals, tell the team in advance and ask for the product's safety information.

Talk to WHD About Post-Flood Disinfection in Don Sai, Ban Pho

Send photos of your house, the water line and the corners your pets use, and the team will help you plan the right steps.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE @whd268

Related Links and References

• WHD Disinfection Spraying Service
• Residential Ozone Disinfection
• Daily News, flooding in Soi Ban Don Sai-Nong Wiang 1, Don Sai, Ban Pho (2 to 3 October 2026): https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/6244181/
• Government Public Relations Department, DDPM flood data as of 7 October 2026: https://www.prd.go.th/th/content/category/detail/id/33/iid/548715
• CDC, Floods: https://www.cdc.gov/floods/
• WHO Fact sheets: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets
• Thai Department of Disease Control: https://ddc.moph.go.th/