Eleven people sickened by burning of rice husks

Eleven people are reportedly sick in the Nickerie District due to the smoke that was produced by the burning of rice husks. Last week the burning of rice husks at Sahara Rice Company got out of hand and the National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR) was asked for assistance in getting the situation under control.

Nickerie

District Commissioner Wedprekash Joeloemsingh condemned the situation. He pointed out that he is in favor of progress but that the activities of one person must not be an inconvenience to others. Neighbors of the company complained about the smoke and the ash that was being produced when the rice husks were set on fire. DC Joeloemsing pointed out that the fire raged out of control but that the rain helped to get it slightly under control. Eleven people who were sickened by the smoke received medical treatment at the hospital. They reportedly had trouble breathing and they also suffered from an eye infection. The neighbors were reportedly given surgical masks to protect themselves against the smoke. The burning of rice husks is currently forbidden and the DC expects everybody to stick to the rules. DC Joeloemsingh made it clear that the new permit clearly states that the burning of rice husks is strictly prohibited. He has ordered the Fire Department to check which rules in the permit must be adapted. DC Joeloemsingh once again urged the owners of rice mills not to set fire to their rice husks.