A Japanese expert who visited cyclone-hit Sri Lanka is calling for ongoing support for the country devastated by heavy rain, floods and landslides.
The cyclone lashed the South Asian nation last month, leaving more than 600 people dead.
Professor Kubo Tatsuhiko of Hiroshima University traveled to Sri Lanka in late November to make preparations for a medical team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA. As a doctor, he also treated local people.
Returning to Japan on Saturday, Kubo spoke to NHK about the situation in disaster-hit areas in Sri Lanka.
He said floodwaters have receded from residential areas but many people are suffering from skin diseases.
He also said a possible increase in mosquito populations within flooded areas could cause outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever.
He said containing the proliferation of mosquitoes is a major challenge.
JICA says its medical team operating in the western town of Chilaw had treated 123 people over the three days through Friday.
The agency says more than half the patients suffered flood-related injuries or diseases including skin problems, and the rest included sufferers of chronic or other illnesses.
Kubo said the lives of patients are at risk as kidney dialysis machines are out of order and it takes time to repair them.
He stressed the need for continued assistance, saying that restoring medical systems in affected areas could take months or more than a year.

Quiz 1:
Who is Kubo Tatsuhiko?
A. A Sri Lankan expert visiting Japan
B. A Japanese expert who visited cyclone-hit Sri Lanka
C. An American expert who visited flood-affected regions in Sri Lanka
D. A Canadian expert who treated patients in disaster-hit areas of Sri Lanka

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B

Quiz 2:
What is the name of the organization Professor Kubo works for?
A. World Health Organization (WHO)
B. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
C. Red Cross
D. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 2: B

Quiz 3:
What is the current condition of floodwaters in residential areas of Sri Lanka?
A. Floodwaters have completely receded
B. Floodwaters are still present but slowly receding
C. Floodwaters have increased significantly
D. Floodwaters have worsened and flooded more areas

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 3: B