Stagnant water sparks mosquito crisis in flood zones

M Atif Ismail

Multan: Families displaced by floods and living in relief camps near inundated areas have voiced grave concerns over a growing mosquito infestation, urging the government and NGOs to take immediate steps to prevent possible disease outbreaks.

Residents of camps established at Dua Chowk, Motorway Interchange, and various educational institutes appealed for the rapid supply of mosquito nets and repellents, warning that stagnant water in and around the affected areas had become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, posing a major health risk.

During a recent visit to flood-hit areas, Acting President Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said some of his friends had pledged to donate a large quantity of mosquito nets to support the relief efforts.

Citizens, however, pressed for the swift distribution of nets and the launch of a fumigation campaign to contain the mosquito spread.

Meanwhile, the district administration confirmed that anti-mosquito spray drives had been initiated in Multan Sadr and other localities where water has recently receded. Officials said teams were working round-the-clock to minimize the threat of malaria and dengue.

Flood victims stressed that fumigation drives must be intensified, particularly in and around relief camps, to ensure the safety of thousands of displaced people.