Curfew relaxed in North Waziristan, IDPs arrive in Bannu

MIRANSHAH: Curfew has been relaxed in North Waziristan for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from 11:00 AM till 4:00 PM.

After the curfew was relaxed, residents of North Waziristan fled in large numbers to Bannu. IDPs have reached Bannu in unregistered vehicles which has given rise to threats of terrorism. These vehicles are seen roaming in the city creating fear and panic among people.

Meanwhile the government has also decided to provide each IDP family Rs40,000 each during the first month.

Health risks for IDPs

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory to alert local health departments and public health personnel of various departments about the need to identify and respond to possible health risks associated with population displacements from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Massive population displacement, with limited access to basic amenities, poses grave threats to the health of both displaced individuals as well as those residing in areas where the IDPs are temporarily settling down.

Preemptive measures and coordinated efforts on part of all stakeholders are, therefore, required to avert any untoward situation including disease outbreaks.

Considering the prevalent seasonal and environmental factors, there is an impending threat of the eruption of communicable disease outbreaks of water and vector-borne diseases such as gastroenteritis/acute watery diarrhoea, measles, polio, tetanus and other vaccine-preventable diseases, dengue, malaria, leishmaniasis, typhoid, and hepatitis A & E, etc.

Moreover, extreme weather conditions and vulnerabilities also significantly enhance the risk of non-communicable ailments such as injuries, sunstroke and health exhaustion, cardiovascular accidents, animal and snake bites, etc. The displaced population is also vulnerable to psychological stress because of prevalent uncertainty and sense of deprivation.