2ND LEAD

Diarrhoea claims 9 lives in Vavuniyaa internment camp in one day

[TamilNet, Monday, 01 June 2009, 10:30 GMT]
Nine elderly IDP persons sheltered in Cheddiku'lam internment camp Saturday died due to diarrhoea. Several IDP families in the camp have been affected by diarrhoea. Cheddiku'lam Inquirer into sudden deaths Mr.E.Sahul Hameed held the inquests. Lack of proper distribution of drinking water and medical facilities was the reason for the spread of diarrhoea among the IDPs, according to Cheddiku'lam District Medical Officer.

30 IDPs are sheltered in a tent-shelter which is meant for only five persons. This is the cause for the spread of disease among IDPs, medical sources say.

However, the Sri Lankan health authorities claim that all medical facilities have been provided to the IDP camps, media sources said.

Colombo has laid condition for the release of elderly IDP persons over sixty years of age from internment camps located in Vavuniyaa and Cheddiku'lam.

According to these conditions, only those having relatives with permanent residence in Vavuniyaa could apply to release the elderly persons, district secretariat authorities said adding that 2,500 applications have been received so far.