United Nations Radio

The United Nations health agency says it is concerned about the health situation in the Phillipines, which has been hit by powerful storms.

Thousands of people have been trapped in the wake of the storms, which have caused floods in the country. The head of the Rapid Response Team of the World Health Organization, Guiseppe Annunziata, says the health agency is worried about the health risks caused by the damage to the infrastructure:

"We are concerned regarding the contamination of the water source and water pipes, possible damage on health institutions in terms of structural damage. And, of course, since there is some population movement, it will be an overburden on the referral health institutions."

The UN is sending an assessment team to the country.