Rohingyas are suffering due to rain, heat and the rise of diseases. Most of the makeshift homes in Ukhia and Teknaf are rickety and can hardly resist gusty wind. The camps do not have power, so they face sweltering heat. On top of this, a crisis of fresh water has triggered an outbreak of diarrhea.
Common cold and fever are regular issues and there is also a rise of skin diseases, informs NGO workers.
Due to heavy rain from Thursday, Sept 6, living in some camps in Ukhia and Teknaf have become intolerable.
Ekram, a resident of Jadimura camp in Teknaf, says: “with heavy rain, water cascades from the hills into our makeshift homes and, we are compelled to seek shelter elsewhere.”
Jadimura camp is at the foot of the hilly area and continuous rain triggers a flow of water from uphill, hampering daily routine at the camp, including cooking.
A resident of Mouchni camps underlines the scarcity of medicines and lack of fresh water for drinking.
Worker of Red Crescent Society, Mohammad Sohel Islam, says, “Due to heavy rain, several areas of the camp are under water; the water flowing from the hills has mixed with the sewerage waste, thus creating a situation for diseases to fester.”
From August 2017, almost 700,000 Rohingyas have come to Bangladesh. Currently, in 30 camps in Teknaf and Ukhia, more than 1.1 million Rohingya people are living.
Teknaf UNO Md Rabiul Hassan says, “We are working to prevent accidents due to heavy rain; accident prone spots have been identified and necessary steps taken.”