With temperatures plunging to a seasonal low -- and little prospect of relief coming soon -- meteorologists and doctors have expressed concern for those living in tents and other temporary accommodation in disaster areas.
A cold front and northeastern seasonal winds drastically drove down temperatures around the island yesterday, with Tamshui recording a temperature of 18.5 Celsius, Taipei 19.6 Celsius and southern and central Taiwan 21.0 Celsius.
Tang Shun-lan (湯舜然), a meteorologist at the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), said yesterday that although the mercury is expected to return to its normal mid-20s level by Wednesday, northern and northeastern Taiwan will continue to see scattered showers for the next few days.
Tang added that the public should pay extra attention to the change in temperature in the morning and after dark, as there can be a 6- to 8-degree difference.
Wang Ji-hung (
He said that the sudden drop in temperatures has already affected the lives of those living in the township.
"On Saturday alone we treated 337 patients, about half of them with flu, and most of them adults and seniors," he said.
"There are no children there because most have gone to other places to continue their education and they don't usually come back until the weekends," Wang said.
The 921 earthquake ruined the township health office as well as medical clinics, with the exception of one Chinese medical hospital. Two medical stations set up by Tzu Chi are the only places people can get medical help.
Wang, who went to Chungliao on Friday, said there are still a lot of people living in tents.
"About 50 people are living under one roof. Heating systems and finding a place to take a shower are problems. Besides, the humid and cool weather at the moment poses a potential threat to the elderly who are more susceptible to arthritis and skin problems," Wang said.
The reason that there are so many people camping outside instead of living in prefabricated housing is because most believe the shelters, three or five kilometers away, are simply too far for them, Wang said.
"They prefer to live close to home, even though their homes are little more than piles of rubble," he said.
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