Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mindanao (Agenzia Fides) - The survivors of the devastating floods caused by the tropical storm Washi face growing threat of the spread of diseases such as typhoid and cholera. The hygienic conditions of the evacuation centers set up after the typhoon are getting worse. Trash is piling up and the dirty water is quickly turning into a breeding ground for the proliferation of mosquito and diseases caused by contaminated water. Outside the center, the bad smell coming from the accumulated mud and dead bodies is a source of additional health problems. A week has almost gone by since the Washi hit the country in the middle of the night. Floods and landslides have so far caused the deaths of over a thousand people. The pipes of the city of Cagayan de Oro have been severely damaged, leaving 70% of the population without access to safe drinking water. Meanwhile, the humanitarian agency World Vision has opened a Welcome Center for Children (CFS) in the city of Cagayan de Oro, where the presence of over 250 children to a 5-day workshop is expected during which they will be helped to deal with the loss and the pain. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 23/12/2011)
