MITHI: The outbreak of water-borne and viral diseases in the drought-hit Tharparkar district took lives of 12 more children on Friday, raising the death toll to 138 this month.

A newborn died at Civil Hospital in Mithi, while an infant Shahpuri died in village Jagan Lund, Hamida died in village Narori while two other kids lost their lives in the village of Dahli.

Two infants and a six month old girl Mariam Arbab died in village Chanor near Islamkot.

A six year old child Ghulam Rasool Wasan died in village Kunryo Wasan near Mithi, while twins Saima and Qasim along with another child died in village Galhau near Diplo town.

However, the government officials still claimed that so far "only 42" children have died at the government hospitals of the district.

Also Read: Beyond hunger: The tragedy of Thar

Divisional commissioner Mir Shafiq Ahmed Mahesar told Dawn that he was trying his best to ensure the healthcare facilities in the remote areas of the district.

Meanwhile, the parents of these children complained about the unavailability of facilities in Chachro, Nagarparkar, Islamkot and several other areas.

Related: Basic health facilities failure major reason behind recurring newborn deaths in Thar

Widespread anger

Members of the civil society and some elected members from the area, while talking to Dawn.com, expressed their deep concerns over the lethargic attitude and callous approach of the concerned functionaries to address the real issues of the region.

The PML-N lawmaker from Thar, Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, said he met with the Sindh chief secretary in Karachi and appraised him of the worsening situation in the desert.

Vankwani said he has also contacted Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Faryal Talpur and others to make concerted efforts to tackle the issue, which he said was becoming alarming.

He warned that if the Sindh government failed to resolve the crisis by coming week, he and other leaders of the ruling party would request Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and federal government to intervene.

Abdul Karim Rahimoon, Sat Ram Das Roopani, Abdul Karim Samejo and other social activists were of the view that Thar needed comprehensive policies to ensure the provision of safe drinking water, healthcare facilities, food and fodder.