Wewelsfleth, located near the Elbe River in
northwest Germany is now being called the ‘village of the damned’. With a
population of only 1,500, the spread of cancer in the area is about 50% above
average. What makes the condition of these villagers even more pathetic is that
they feel abandoned by authorities, who are unable to provide any explanations.
 |
| German village where almost 50% people are suffered from Cancer |
The cancer
situation in Wewelsfleth is not a new one. In fact, several cases have been
reported as early as 1998, steadily rising over the years. The phenomenon is
not limited to any particular part of the body. Cases of cancer affecting the
breast, lung, womb, stomach and esophagus have been observed. It is not
surprising in the least to note that there are three nuclear power plants in
the vicinity and also a shipyard where vessels were sprayed with highly toxic
paint. Quite understandably, the villagers are upset and do not intend to give
up on their demands for a serious enquiry into the situation.
 |
| German village where almost 50% people are suffered from Cancer |
Experts,
however, remain confused over the cause of the strange spread of cancerous
cells across the village. Academics at the University of Lubeck have
investigated both the cancers as well as the nuclear plants and shipyard. They
even took into account other factors such as the lifestyle of cancer victims and
environmental conditions. The results of the study, are inconclusive. The
academics point out that it has been impossible to point out any one of these
as the sole cause.
The Mayor of
Wewelsfleth, Ingo Karstens, has lost both his wives to cancer. Calling it a
curse, he has no intentions to back down. He is now insisting that health
authorities in Berlin commission another study to get to the root of the
affair. This truly does sound like a sad situation; I hope they find a cause
and a cure soon enough.
