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)