DERA GHAZI KHAN, July 9: Five children have so far died of gastroenteritis in Taunsa Sharif tehsil following suspension of potable water supply to the area a week ago. The water supply system in the tehsil was hit by a hill torrent last week following which the area people had no other option but to use pond water for drinking and other domestic purposes.

The unhygienic practice helped spread gastroenteritis in many villages of the tehsil which claimed lives of one-year-old Mohammed Hakim, Amina, 4, Shahzad, 2, Samee, 7, and Rabia, 6.

The area people have demanded that the health department should immediately take notice of the situation and the tehsil administration restore the water supply.

District Health Officer Dr sultan claimed that the department was involved in treatment of gastro patients in Taunsa and the situation was under control.

The tehsil nazim said the water supply would soon be restored.