ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday hinted at a likely outbreak of waterborne diseases in the flood-hit areas. In a statement issued on Twitter, he said eruption of waterborne diseases in flood-hit areas could turn the situation dangerous and multiply problems. Shehbaz underlined that the government was fully engaged in rescue and relief efforts.

He said two news stories published in globally-respected ‘The Economist’ had validated what they had been saying about Imran Niazi. Shehbaz Sharif said in its latest issue, the magazine wrote that Niazi blew up the IMF deal and was exploiting the disaster to score political points. “He is out to undermine Pakistan,” Shehbaz said.

On the border between Sindh and Balochistan, thousands of Gandakha tehsil victims are currently waiting for assistance. The victims’ struggles have multiplied due to the severe shortage of rations, medications and water. Meanwhile, a man and his daughter died on the Mehar Indus Highway. Thirty-five rain victims, including 15 children and six women, died in 24 hours.

Reports said deputy commissioner Jamshoro in his report confirmed 21 deaths of flood victims, deputy commissioner Tando and DC Badin reported three deaths each, DC Ghotki confirmed five and DCs Shaheed Benazirabad and Nausheroferoz two deaths each. Meanwhile, reports said flood victims Ali Hassan and his young daughter Hazoora Pahi died of hunger on the Mehar Indus Highway. 

Social activist Imran Advocate said the deceased hailed from Khohra village. He said the bodies of the two were buried in a graveyard in Mehar because the family members had no money to take them to the native village for burial.

Raja Solangi, a flood victim residing in a relief camp, said his eight-day baby died due to malnourishment, while an old man, identified as Muhammad Hashim, also died for want of medical assistance in a camp.