PESHAWAR, July 9: The NWFP health department has asked the UN agencies to provide emergency medicines and develop a disease early warning system for the flood-hit areas of the province.

The demand came out at an emergency meeting held here on Monday and was attended by representatives of the WHO, Unicef, GTZ and health department.

Health officials informed the UN representatives that the provincial government had identified 15 flood prone districts and sought assistance to cope with the problems of epidemics.

It was decided that an emergency preparedness plan would be developed and each donor agency would identify its role for effective coordination and avoiding duplication of activities.

The meeting was informed that Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera were at the risk of outbreak of diseases.

Peshawar Health EDO Dr Mosem Khan said that recent flood and rains had affected 800,000 people in 32 union councils.

He said that 4,000 people had been vaccinated against typhoid, 10,000 tablets provided for water purification and anti-malaria spray had been started in the affected areas.

He asked the agencies for the provision of anti-malaria drugs and assistance for improving their mobility.