Needs of camp inmates highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 12 2023:
Against the backdrop of the current situation following the May 3 violence, thousands of dis- placed people taking shelter i in various relief camps are facing acute water shortage, hygiene and sanitation issues.
Relief Data Support Cen- tre (RDSC), an initiative of JNV Alumni Association, said the data it collected from different relief camps shows that the displaced people are facing many major issues including water scarcity, hygiene and sanitation besides shortage of essential commodities and utensils.
Pregnant women, lactat- ing mothers and children are under distress.
The displaced people need psycho-social support from mental health professionals, it said, pro- viding a list of items the people at the relief camps need at present.
The items, the displaced people at the camps need include
1) Water for drinking and sanitation
2) Fire wood for cooking
3) Undergarments for both male and female
4) Toiletries-soaps, tooth paste and tooth brush
5) Mattresses
6) Blankets
7) Kitchen Utensils
8) Edible items including pepper and Ngari (fermented fish)
9) First Aid kits
10) Baby food and soft toys for children
11) Breakfast items
12) Disposable cups
13) Buckets .
The Relief Data Support Centre (RDSC) said there is a need for categorisation of displaced people such as pregnant women, lactating mothers and children.
In most of the camps, their dietary needs have been compromised and they are under distress.
Children particularly are in need of proper attention as far as their dietary needs and recreational support toys are concerned, it said.
In spite of the best efforts given by the volunteers, displaced people have not been able to overcome fear and pain.
Almost all of them have seen the violence unfolding in front of their own eyes.
They urgently need psycho-social support from mental health professionals.
Immediate intervention is required from all quarters, either from Government or non-Govemment machinery and manpower, said RDSC.
It also stressed that some of the relief camps which are located in sensitive areas have requested the relief providers not to come in large cavalcades along with festoons, flags and news cameras.
Individuals or groups intending to provide relief materi als may contact RDSC for support and information about relief camps and most needed items for smooth supply of relief materials and material specific delivery.
It can be reached on Mobile Nos 9402692682 & 9863731224 .