Sanitation proving a headache in Chellanam

KOCHI: The state of affairs at Ockhi-struck Chellanam remains unresolved. Though the Health Department and the district authorities have geared up sanitation work with the help of ASHA workers, the condition in the affected areas is yet to improve. With yards covered in sand, toilets broken and salty water in their wells, people are still reeling without enough help. The hunger strike at the camp in St Mary's School moved into the third day with no results so far.  The ASHA workers along with locals are doing basic chlorination work and cleaning.

"The government has not said anything so far. If we ask anything regarding our house, they ask us to stay in the camp. We don't know how long we will have to stay here and we don't have anywhere else to go," says Ammini, a camp-dweller.  "All schools are closed and a special class is being taken for the students of Class X. My daughter, who is in Class X, lost all her books.

We have no clue on how to proceed," says Shaiji Jobin. The Fire and Rescue Services personnel are also assisting in the cleaning process. The Health Department is providing 24-hour services here.  "The possibility of an outbreak of communicable disease lingers," said Sreedevi S, in-charge,  District Medical Office.