Flu and fever spread in Jajarkot camps sheltering Saturday’s landslide survivors

Dozens of landslide survivors in Jajarkot, Nepal, have fallen ill with flu and fever, officials reported. The survivors are sheltering in temporary camps after landslides devastated villages. Doctors have treated 90 people, but ensuring safe drinking water is a major challenge as rainwater has contaminated most sources.

“

Ensuring safe drinking water has become a big challenge in the camps. Rainwater has contaminated almost all drinking water sources.

The risk of water-borne and vector-borne diseases is high in the camps, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, pregnant women, and new mothers. Health workers have established a health desk, but officials warn it may not be sufficient.

“

The risk of illness spreading is high in the camps. But that alone won’t be sufficient to address all the emerging problems.

Authorities are also concerned about the heightened risk of disease outbreaks from rotting animal carcasses. While police and army personnel have begun burying the dead animals, the situation remains precarious. Makeshift toilets are insufficient, leading to open defecation, which further risks contaminating water sources.

“

The risk of disease spreading due to rotting carcasses has increased.

Officials are seeking support from provincial and federal governments to manage the situation, warning that they may need assistance if a major outbreak occurs after the next week. The disaster has displaced people from over 450 households, many of whom are in temporary shelters or staying with relatives. Entire villages, previously affected by an earthquake, now need relocation to safer areas.

“

A major outbreak has not occurred yet, and we can handle the situation until next week. But after then, we would need support from the provincial and federal government.