ASSAM: Children need to be protected against diseases in relief camps

Children in Assam are among the hardest hit during floods, says a new survey.

Society for Social Transformation and Environment Protection (SSTEP), an ActionAid partner organisation, has conducted a flood assessment survey in the districts of Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon and North Lakhimpur. The survey focused on children in relief camps.

“We have visited the villages and camps, and have found that children suffer the most during such calamities,” said Simanta Borah of SSTEP. 

He said that the authorities need to ensure that flood-affected children do not fall sick because of the unhygienic conditions prevailing in relief camps.

“In many camps, children lose out to adults in the competition for limited toilet facilities. This makes them sick,” says Borah.

Children are already suffering from various water-borne diseases including malaria and diarrhoea and skin problems, according to the survey. 

“We have asked district officials to urgently take up purification of water in tube wells, open wells and ponds to prevent diseases,” added Borah.

Updated 10/08/07