Philippine evacuation centres ‘breeding ground for disease’

Cagayan de Oro, Philippines: Aid agency World Vision says living conditions in evacuation centres set up post Tropical Storm Washi are worsening.

Garbage is piling up and dirty water from laundry/bathing areas is fast becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes and water-borne diseases. Outside of the centres, the stench coming from waist-deep mud and dead bodies is causing further health concerns.

It's now been six days since Washi struck in the middle of the night. Flood-waters and mudslides claimed the lives of more than a thousand people.

"Hygiene and sanitation is a growing concern particularly in congested evacuation centres. World Vision is educating people on proper waste management to try and prevent the spread of disease but the dwindling water supply is making the situation even worse" says the organisation's Dr. Yvonne Duque.

Pipelines in the city of Cagayan de Oro were badly damaged in the storm leaving 70 percent of the population without access to water.

"We're encouraging mothers to breastfeed their babies to lower the health risk caused by using feeding bottles that aren't properly washed due to the lack of water" explains Duque.

Meanwhile, the aid agency opened a Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) in Cagayan de Oro today. Over 250 children are expected to participate in a five-day workshop there, designed to help them cope with loss and grief.

How can you get involved?

• Please donate to this emergency via our Asia Pacific Fund here.

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