People who ran away from their houses due to fights between military and Islamic gunmen in Marawi on Mindanao island in the south of the Philippines have become vulnerable to epidemics and mental shocks.
According to the country’s Social Welfares Agency, more than 70,380 out of 389,300 running- away people went to 79 Government shelters while the rest stayed with their relatives’ houses.
The aid teams are struggling with epidemics in the shelters. According to local authorities, skin and digestion-related diseases reached alarming levels.
More than 20 people died at hospitals of different diseases while many others suffered from mental shocks.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on July 1 pledged that the Government forces will destroy all terrorists in Marawi city.
The President imposed martial law on Mindanao, as insurgents launched attacks in Marawi on May 23 after the government’s raid to seek Isnilon Hapilon, who was believed to the leader of the Islamic State branch in the Philippines.
So far, more than 400 people have been killed during clashes in Marawi.-VNA
Philippines: risks facing people fleeing from Marawi
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