Villagers in Ponnagyun Twsp suffer diarrhea, skin problems due to unclean water

By Admin 29 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
29 April 2024, Ponnagyun

Many rural villagers and displaced people in Arakan State’s Ponnagyun Township are suffering from diarrhea and skin problems due to unclean water.

Diarrhea and skin problems have been reported in at least six villages in the township as villagers are forced to drink and use water from creeks and walls after man-made lakes used to store rainwater for drinking have dried up due to intense heat.

“People get thirsty often due to high temperatures. But the water they drink is not clean. So, they suffer from diarrhea. Children are particularly affected,” said a resident of Taung Nar Village.

Diarrhea is rampant among children younger than 6 including displaced children, but medicines have run out due to junta blockades.

“We also get diarrhea as we have to drink creek water. But adults do not suffer much. Children are particularly affected. And there are challenges to seeing a doctor. There are only herbal plants to treat them,” said a displaced man.

Drinking unclean water can result in more serious health problems including hepatitis and typhoid, and can be fatal in some cases, according to the health department.

Despite rich water resources, Arakan State faces water shortages every summer. Water shortages and subsequent health problems have been reported in Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Minbya and Mrauk-U townships during the current hot season.