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60 children die of pneumonia, measles in Neelum Valley

From A Correspondent

Muzaffarabad: At least 60 children have died in upper remotest areas of Neelum Valley as pneumonia and measles turned into epidemic owing to non-availability of medicines as the valley has been cut off from the rest of Azad Kashmir by heavy Indian shelling and snowfall, police sources and health department officials said on Wednesday.

Health Services Director Dr. Mohammed Qurban said, while quoting a report received from a dispenser deployed in Neelum Valley by wireless, that 60 children between age of 3 to 8 died of pneumonia and measles last month. He said the diseases had assumed epidemic proportions following severe cold dropping the mercury to minus level by heavy snowfall in the area.

He said that as the communication to the remotest upper part of the Indian shelling-hit valley, where epidemic played havoc, has become extremely difficult the deaths could not have reported immediately.

Qurban said that all the deaths occurred last month in Helmet, Sradari, Sharda, Kel and adjoining remote areas of the valley some 200 kms of here.

He added that heavy Indian shelling and several feet of snowfall in the upper part of the valley causing road blockade and preventing rescue teams to reach the areas.

He said that situation was got alarming following the lack of in time medical treatment to the patients. The another factor of the deaths is shortage of food as the people of the areas have no proper accommodation and sufficient food to eat.

He, however, said that Pakistan Army doctors were there in the areas but said that parents could not get their affected children checked from them due to bad wheather and heavy snowfall.

He said that he has sent the district health chief to the area by helicopter and on his return death toll could be confirmed.

Dr Qurban added that they had also sent a medical team consists of WHO operation officer and manager extended programme on immunisation (EPI) to the effected areas.