Experts warn of disease outbreaks after flash floods in Nepal and Tibet

Days after flash floods in Nepal and Tibet left more than 1,000 dead and thousands missing, experts warn of an outbreak of disease. Helpers from the organization Save the Children report catastrophic hygienic conditions in the affected areas. Numerous body bags lie along the road from the Nepalese capital Kathmandu to the almost completely destroyed city of Trishuli Bazar.

“Decomposing human and animal remains, undisposed waste and standing water further increase the health risk for people in the region,” the organization said in a statement. The fact that it continues to rain in some of the particularly affected regions is making the situation even worse.

Tara Chettry, country director of Save the Children in Nepal, warned of an increased risk of disease. Overcrowded accommodation, polluted water, poor hygienic conditions and limited health care would encourage the spread of disease. This could be particularly dangerous for children. Many water sources are contaminated, which is why people lack clean drinking and washing water.

Worry about cholera and dengue fever

The flooding could cause sewage and feces to enter drinking water. Latrines may also have been damaged and sewage treatment plants flooded. According to Save the Children, children with fever and respiratory infections are already being treated in the emergency shelters.

There is particularly great concern about diarrheal diseases such as cholera and skin infections. The stagnant water also offers ideal conditions for mosquitoes. This also increases the risk of dengue fever.