Refugees facing outbreak of disease

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Thousands of refugees of riot-torn Poso sheltering in Lore Utara subdistrict here are wary of contracting diseases after 20 of them became ill with diarrhea, malaria or upper respiratory track infection in the past week, Antara reported.

Head of the subdistrict Udji Mondolu said the patients are now being treated at the local community health center, but with limited facilities and drugs.

"So far, no fatalities have been reported, but I hope provincial and district health institutions send medical staff and medicines here to save the refugees quickly," he said.

He added the people also need other supplies like rice, instant noodles and blankets.

Residents of Poso fled their homes to Lore Utara following sectarian riots on May 23. Officials recorded that as of June 25, at least 2,000 families from Poso have been sheltered in the subdistrict. (09)