MikeLigalig.com

At least 300,000 people are displaced. BBC

Malnutrition

The result for many families on the ground here has been disastrous. About 300,000 people who fled their homes are still displaced.

   
Father Eduardo Carina Vasquez of the Santa Teresita Church
I can't ignore the possibility someone wanted to destroy the harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians
Father Eduardo Carino Vasquez

I met an elementary school principal, Akmad Gutamblang. Classes were under way in his school last August, he said, when the building was shelled.

Some teachers were almost hit. The whole village quickly packed what they could and left.

The camp is supported by international and local organisations who distribute free rice and other basics. But even so, he said, those with larger families do not get enough to eat.

A local official, Eduardo Diestro, confirmed that there are growing concerns about the poor conditions and the impact on health.

The town has a population of almost 50,000 people and is now coping with an influx of more than 11,000 new arrivals.

Eighty-five people in evacuation camps have died since they arrived. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Malnutrition is lowering their ability to fight diseases like measles and tuberculosis.

Psychological impact

In the midst of all the noise and chaos of the evacuation centre, local teachers try to hold lessons in the upstairs school rooms.

Their classes have expanded dramatically with the new arrivals. I met one young female teacher, Ramla. The children find it hard to concentrate, she told me.
BBC

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=18546.0