PESHAWAR: In the aftermath of heavy rains and flash floods, epidemic diseases have broken out in floodaffected districts of KP, with 288,623 cases reported so far. The recent heavy rains and flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have caused not only large-scale human and financial losses but also a serious outbreak of communicable diseases. According to official reports on Monday, 406 people have lost their lives, while 247 have been injured. Among the deceased are 305 men, 55 women, and 46 children. In Dera Ismail Khan alone, the collapse of houses on Sunday claimed 8 lives and injured 48 others. Overall, 3,526 houses have been damaged across the province, including 2,945 partially and 577 completely destroyed. District Buner has been the worst hit with 337 deaths, followed by 46 fatalities in Swabi. Other badly affected districts include Swat, Bajaur, Mansehra, Shangla, Lower Dir, and Battagram. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department reported that in 11 floodaffected districts, 288,623 patients have been registered so far. In the last 24 hours alone, 10,913 patients received medical treatment. Among these, 18,597 cases of infectious diseases have been confirmed, including respiratory illnesses, dysentery, skin infections, malaria, eye infections, and cases of dog and snake bites. 3,421 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, 57 health facilities have been partially damaged and 3 completely destroyed, while 140 medical camps have been established to provide emergency care. The situation remains alarming as waterborne and vector-borne diseases continue to rise sharply in the flood-stricken areas. — APP
