Contamination may spread disease outbreak following tropical cyclone in Somalia

Nov. 22 (UPI) -- The International Federation of the Red Cross expressed concern Thursday about the effects of a tropical storm that hit Somalia's Puntland Region on Nov. 10.

The IFRC cited "serious damage to vital infrastructure," including demolished roads, homesteads, fishing boats, and widespread water contamination. Kwame Darko, Somali delegate to the IFRC, highlighted concern about water contamination: "We need to ensure clean drinking water is made available for those affected by the cyclone; otherwise, there is a very strong chance we will start seeing cases of diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases."

On Monday, the UN issued a report that outlined the difficulties faced in providing aid in Puntland as relief workers were hampered by heavy rains, impassable roads, and inter-clan fighting.

United Nations Special Representative to Somalia Nicholas Kay traveled to Somalia Wednesday, in part, to discuss the humanitarian response to the cyclone's damage. Kay promised the UN's continued provision of food and clean water.

[International Federation of the Red Cross] [United Nations] [Sabahi Online]