NOWSHERA, Aug 24: Two minor girls died and many other children were admitted to hospitals in an outbreak of gastroenteritis in the relief camp established for the displaced people of Bajaur Agency in the Pir Pai area here on Sunday, sources said.

Lack of basic facilities in the relief camp had exposed the inmates to the epidemic of gastroenteritis, which had affected a large number of children, so far.

The victims were identified as three-year-old Khalida, daughter of Awal Jan, and five-year-old Tahira, daughter of Gul Jan. The two children suffered symptoms similar to cholera and died in the camp, the sources said. Other children who had contracted gastroenteritis were shifted to hospitals, and many of them were in critical condition, the sources added.

District Nazim Daud Khattak has instructed the authorities concerned to ensure provision of basic health facilities, clean drinking water and food to the camp dwellers to safeguard them against epidemics.—Correspondent