More than 1,500 victims of the recent landslide in Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, are still living in shelters and have started to suffer from disease.
The displaced residents, most of whom are women and children, have complained of respiratory problems, diarrhea and skin diseases.
Septhani Wulandari, head of the Pagal Community Health Center in Cibal district, the worst-hit area, blamed the illnesses on the weather and poor sanitation.
She said the center was continuing to provide free medical treatment to displaced residents in the regency on Flores Island.
"However, many residents are getting sick due to the cold weather caused by heavy downpours and strong winds," Septhani said.
She said most of the refugees were sleeping of thin mats on dirt floors in crowded shelters.
"The living conditions make them prone to contagious diseases," she said.
Manggarai Regent Christian Rotok said separately that some 5,000 residents were still homeless following the landslide this month, which killed 43 residents. -- JP