After the flood, comes diarrhea

After the flood, comes diarrhea

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: A provincial administration official warned
of possible outbreaks of diarrhea in areas struck by floods in
eastern and northern Aceh this week.

Saleh Yacob, the chief of the administration's social
services, said his office had already received reports of
outbreaks in a number of villages.

He said poor sanitation is one of the major problems facing
villagers who are being accommodated in temporary shelters or who
are returning to their ravaged homes.

Eighteen people were killed by the flash floods that swept
across more than 200 villages in Aceh Utara and Aceh Timur
regencies this week. More than 55,000 hectares of rice fields
have also been destroyed by the flood, according to Antara.

A major relief operation is already bringing food, medicines,
tents and walls into the area. (emb)