20,000 flood-victim babies face hunger

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Diarrhea is not the only threat to flood-victim babies, many of whom still remain with their parents in temporary shelters. The threat of famine is on the way.

Data shows that 20,000 of 26,000 flood-victim babies face the risk of famine as they have been malnourished during the last three weeks since serious flooding hit the capital on Jan. 28.

"So far, only 6,000 babies have received milk porridge to eat. During their stay at the shelters, they only consume what their parents can give," said head of the Mental Guidance and Social Affairs Agency Endang W. Dungga on Monday.

The agency is working together with a milk and baby food producer to supply meals for the babies, but the amount is still insufficient.

"We need more milk porridge for the babies. We have also received help in the form of milk powder but are being careful in distributing it because in some cases babies could be allergic to certain milk powder products," Endang said.

"Besides milk porridge, the babies also receive vitamins from the City Health Agency at health posts at the temporary shelters."

The flooding has forced over 380,000 people to take refuge in their own city. Some of them have returned to their homes as the water began to recede while others have preferred to remain at the shelters, fearing the floods might return.

Many babies are being hospitalized in Tarakan Hospital in Central Jakarta, where seven died after suffering diarrhea.

To overcome the problem, City Health Agency chief Abdul Cholik Masulili called on the public to provide meals mostly for the babies.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, at a post-flood evaluation meeting with Jakarta's five mayors and heads of agencies, urged all officials not to ignore the starving victims.

"Everyone must get nourishment. You must hand over food items to help those victims who can already cook. For those who can't, the public kitchens must serve them meals," he told the mayors.