Water-borne diseases outbreak hits relief camps

LAHORE:

Widespread flooding in Punjab has left children in several affected areas suffering from fever and diarrheal diseases.

The provincial health department officials said the administration has directed the expansion of medical camps in flood-hit areas to protect lives and prevent further outbreaks.

Families living along riverbanks are being urged to move to safer locations, with boats promised to assist in their evacuation.

Reports indicate that in flood-affected regions along the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers, as well as parts of Multan, children are increasingly falling sick due to unsanitary conditions and seasonal changes.

Families sheltering near riverbanks remain vulnerable, though relief medical camps are providing medicines to both children and adults.

At the camps, children are being treated with fever and cough syrups, antibiotics, and injections, while parents are advised to ensure access to clean drinking water.

Meanwhile, authorities have warned that additional floodwaters are expected to enter rivers in the coming days.

The administration has been instructed to prioritise preventive measures, including timely evacuation of residents from vulnerable riverbank settlements before flood surges intensify.

Officials emphasised that safeguarding lives must remain the top priority, alongside efforts to minimise the destruction of communities and livelihoods.