BALAKOT, Oct 12: Balakot’s earthquake-hit areas are in grip of gangrene, diarrhoea and other fatal diseases. “Gangrene and diarrhoea were spreading among villagers left helpless,” said Dr Irfan Ahmed, a doctor with the British-based charity plan.

He estimated that at least 10,000 people have died in the Siran valley of Hazara. “People are getting gangrene as they are not getting any help, said Dr Ahmed, adding that the charity’s medical team was the first to reach the badly hit village of Tevli near the main affected town of Balakot.

Gangrene is caused by a lack of blood supply to parts of the body, which can happen when a person is trapped for a long period of time.

The disease can be fatal without proper dressing and stitching. Dr Ahmed said his team of five doctors and two assistants, who flew in by helicopter with the Pakistani military, provided filters for clean water but more help was needed.

“One problem is diarrhoea because the water supply has gone out and the people are drinking whatever they can. What I saw was muddy water, he said.

He said he saw more bodies in the rubble in the village but he doubted there were still survivors.

“There were a few hands coming out under the debris but they were obviously dead and lifeless, he added.

“Most of the buildings are either not fit to live in or they have just collapsed. Big or small, there is hardly a pillar you can see, he said.—PPI