The police authorities are currently carrying out an investigation into the incident.
UNHCR statement
“UNHCR is extremely concerned by events at the camp, which has resulted in at least one casualty, with hundreds of other people falling ill, and more than 200 hospitalised.
Staff have been working closely overnight to coordinate the response with other agencies and the relevant authorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Baghdad to ensure that those who have fallen ill were able to receive swift medical treatment and that the seriously sick were provided transport to nearby hospitals.
Extra clean water is now being provided at the camp and additional health agencies have been brought in to help in the response.
We are waiting for the police investigations to understand clearly the chain of events and to draw lessons from this tragic incident which will allow agencies to reinforce public health protocols to prevent such situations in the future.”
Ends
For more information:
Caroline Gluck
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+964 780 920 7286
Andreas Needham
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+964 780 920 7282
Saif al-Tatooz
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+964 780 195 8468
Amira Abd el Khalek
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+964 772 616 3729