In this area, an estimated 40,000 people are living in harsh conditions surviving largely on papaya and edible roots. The possible opening up of overland supply routes could ease congestion at Dili airport, where the small airport has a limited capacity to handle heavy traffic. These supplies will be used for children in the refugee camps in West Timor.
Camps are overcrowded and poor sanitation is a serious problem.
Outbreaks of malaria, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections are feared. All rights reserved.