United Nations Radio

The World Health Organization has warned that disease in the aftermath of Sunday's tsunami disaster in South Asia could kill as many people as the deadly waves.

Head of Crisis Operations at WHO, Dr. David Nabarro, says the immediate terror associated with the tsunamis and the earthquake itself may be dwarfed by the longer term suffering of the affected communities.

"So our focus with the governments, with civil society organizations throughout the region will be on saving lives, preventing disease and promoting recovery of the essential infrastructure for public health and well-being."

Mr. Nabarro says the risk of communicable diseases associated with lack of access to clean water and sanitation and the overwhelmed public health facilities have become a real and serious threat.