7,000 in Tangerang suffer diarrhea

TANGERANG: The Tangerang Health Agency said that 6,777 flood victims in the Tangerang area were now suffering from diseases -- mainly diarrhea, skin and respiratory infections.

Agency officials noted that most of the victims were in Periuk district with 2,130 patients, followed by Karawaci, with about 2,000 patients.

Other victims were reported in Nambo Jaya subdistrict, Jatiuwung district, Karang Tengah, Cipondoh, Cileduk, and Cibodas, which were all affected by the recent flooding throughout Jakarta.

Tangerang Health Agency Chief Nuriman Machjudin said that the diseases were caused by lack of clean water, humid weather, and a dirty environment, all the result of the flooding.

He said on Wednesday the agency had established health treatment posts at refuge camps. All public health centers in Tangerang had also been prepared to accommodate the flood victims for free services.

It had also planned to establish 52 additional integrated health posts, where sick flood victims could be served for free. "We are still awaiting donations," he said. -- JP