Red Cross Warns of Disease Outbreak Risk in Sri Lanka War Zone

Tens of thousands of people trapped by fighting in Sri Lanka's north are facing serious risks of disease due to shortages of clean water and sanitation, the Red Cross said Tuesday.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said the humanitarian situation was deteriorating fast as civilians still living in the rebel-held territory endured daily attacks and an increased danger of epidemics.

World Water Day – 'Water and Sanitation for Life'
A special report on World Water Day, 2008. This year has been declared as the International year of Sanitation.

"The area is affected by shelling every day, and the cramped conditions and the lack of water and proper sanitation are putting people at risk," it said in a statement.

The Sri Lankan government estimates that 70,000 civilians are trapped in the island's northeast along with around 500 Tamil Tiger fighters.

The United Nations says the number of non-combatants could be about 200,000.

Sanitation 'crucial' for Tackling Water-borne Disease: WHO
A WHO (World Health Organization) report has determined that effective and affordable interventions that provide the global population with access to safe drinking water and adequate

The military has surrounded the separatist guerrillas in a small patch of jungle and hopes to wipe out the rebels last fighters within weeks.

Source-AFP
SRM

Government to Launch National Urban Sanitation Policy Tomorrow
Government will launch National Urban Sanitation Policy here tomorrow.

Health Effects of War Greatly Impact Civilian Mental Health
A new research has determined that the health effects of war are not limited to battlefield injuries, and are also bound to exact a heavy toll on civilian mental health.