As Dingri County recovers from the earthquake that struck China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday, authorities have rolled out measures to protect public health. One of the priorities is ensuring clean sanitary conditions to avoid the spread of disease. Zheng Songwu follows staff from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to find out how they are carrying out their work.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Dingri County says diseases affecting the intestines and respiratory system are two of the main problems after a winter earthquake.
In an effort to combat the spread of such diseases, authorities are disinfecting Qulho Township every day, and testing the drinking water every three days.
Before the results come in, affected people in the township drink mineral or pure water provided by the government and NGOs.
KARMA TSOMO Staff, Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Dingri County "We visited all villages every day to disinfect public areas, and to see if there's anyone who suffers from the cold, coughs and diarrhea."
Staff from Saga and Nyalam counties, both nearby to Dingri, have carried out similar measures in Qulho township and Cogo township. Meanwhile, staff from the Xigaze Center are responsible for Chamco township in Dingri County, since it's been more severely affected. Before the work was completed, staff also gave suggestions to locals.
KARMA TSOMO Staff, Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Dingri County "We also lectured them on how to keep healthy after the earthquake. For example, we told them not to casually drink water, and highlighted the importance of keeping warm since it's easy to suffer from flu in winter."
The resettlement of local communities has been another major focus of relief efforts following the earthquake. Authorities have also focused on disinfecting debris amid livestock and other animal remains, to keep locals healthy. Zheng Songwu, CGTN, in Dingri County, Xizang Autonomous Region.