KARACHI, July 16: With the road infrastructure collapsed and available essential commodities destroyed since the flood and cyclone hit Balochistan, Turbat and other parts of Kech district have been facing an acute shortage of food and essential commodities while no new supplies are coming in.

A survey conducted by a Karachi-based NGO shows that the district’s road link to Karachi and bordering areas of Iran, which are the main sources of food supplies, has been washed away. With the acute shortage of food items in local market, people fear for their survival in coming days.

Prepared by the Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) in collaboration with district administration, local and international non-governmental organizations after conducting field visits to Kosk Kalat, Apsi Village and Danok Village, Gokdan in Turbat, the assessment report paints a grim picture of Turbat.

The SPO observed that Danok Village was completely wiped out while all other villages suffered heavy losses.

Many people had taken refuge in school buildings in extremely congested and unhygienic conditions.

All mud houses collapsed and half of the cemented houses were damaged rendering people without shelter and making them vulnerable to malaria, skin and water-borne diseases.

Many among the interviewed said they needed immediate medical supplies. Resenting the lethargic behaviour of government agencies, they said they had not received any relief goods so far.

On its part, the NGO started provision of safe drinking water through a tanker to Kosh Kalat. However, the report calls for immediate provision of 1,000 to 3,000 shelters, drainage of rainwater, removal of animal corpses, supply of food, potable water and medicines.

The report also suggests trauma counselling for children as soon as possible.