THATTA, Dec 3: The outbreak of gastroenteritis has claimed eight lives within the last 48 hours in and around coastal town of Jati, Dawn has learnt here through the sources of Health facilities on Sunday.

The victims, mainly belonging to union council Gul Muhammad Baran and its nearby settlements, were compelled to use stagnant water of ditches due to non-availability of potable water in the area since months.

Those died due to the disease included, Haji Muhammad 30, son of Muhammad Baran, Hasani, Amanat 40, wife of Ali Muhammad Baran, Jaman 18 daughter of Kando Malah, Bachlan, 50, wife of Abdullah Mallah, Baai, 9, daughter of Lano Mochi, Ghulam Rasool, 20, Hashim ,38, Baai Bhudi (40).

Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Khokhar, in charge Basic Health Unit Union Council, Gul Muhammad Baran told Dawn that despite meagre resources and shortage of medicine in this far-flung coastal belt “we have been doing our level best to overcome the situation”.

Lack of potable water is the main problem in the area particularly following the cyclone in recent years resulted in hyper salinity in the coastal belt.