Green Left Weekly – Dire situation for Tamil refugees
“The IOM [International Organisation of Migration] has abandoned us and the food is being delivered by the navy”, said Kuhendrarajah.
“Water was cut down, and food was reduced in portion. We cannot prove it, however, we strongly believe that the diarrhea and vomiting was caused by food poisoning and lack of care preparing the food.
“A few days ago, it was really bad. Many people were suffering the symptoms of food poisoning. Many people were passing out due to the lack of energy. The fact that we only have one make-shift toilet on board made it more difficult.
“No medicine and no emergency assistance, on top of the same food continually … did not make the situation better.”
Kuhendrarajah said there hadn’t been any actual threats to cut off electricity but the Indonesian authorities “know that if they do not supply engine oil, or diesel for the engine, which is currently supplying the power, we would be in a very desperate situation. Some of the refugees may consider getting off the boat, as they have children. More
