Thinzar New/ Narinjara News, 4 May 2024
At least three displaced people, including two women,
died from diarrheal diseases in Ponnagyun township of Rakhine State last month.
They escaped the conflict and sought refuge at Ah Htet Myat Hle village under
Ponnagyun township.
The deceased individuals include 75-year-old U Maung
Yone from Thae Wa village (Kyauktaw township), 64-year-old Daw Ngwe Khin
from Mi Kyaung Gaung village and 17-year-old Ma Thandar Kyi from Pyin Nyar Gyi
village.
A woman from Ah Htet Myat Hle village informed Narinjara News that they died in
April.
"Since the beginning of April, they started
experiencing stomach problems. First, an elderly man died and later
another elderly woman and a young girl passed away after experiencing stomach
aches and vomiting. It happened due to inadequate medical facility," she
added.
The diarrhoea outbreak is due to the high temperature and consumption of dirty
water by the victims. While access to clean drinking water becomes a
priority, many people are deprived of it. The water in the ponds turn
muddy and at least five others are currently experiencing stomach aches.
Some displaced individuals are also receiving medical treatment for diarrhoea
including a girl from Wah Taung internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in
Kyauktaw. Another resident from Pyin Nyar Gyi village is also complaining
of pain in his stomach.
The displaced individuals from Sittwe, Kyauktaw and
Ponnagyun localities are taking refuge in the IDP camp located in Ah Htet Myat
Hle village under Ponnagyun township.
They are now facing an acute shortage of drinking
water and food items. The consumption of dirty water has resulted in diarrheal
outbreaks.
The common symptoms of diarrhoea include loose or
watery stools, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever.
As a large number of Rakhine people are fleeing from their places due to
clashes, the refugees start facing sickness in camps. Moreover, high
temperature in the region causes extreme troubles for the children and elderly
persons.