Diarrhoea alarming in Rangamati hills

Several hundred people are now suffering from the disease in Bortholipara, Pukurpara, Hatichhara, Dhopalichhara, Sajing Para, Chalpara, Thegapara, Hatimara, Gongyaramchhara, Pukurpara and Prongjapara villages, local Union Parishad member Jakob Tripura told this correspondent when contacted on Saturday.

The disease is spreading, he said.

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The dead are Ma Che Pru Marma, 40, Bum Pru marma,4, U Ma Pru Marma,4, Pru Sing Marma, 34, Mon Sing Marma,9, Manu Pru Marma,4, U Nu Sing Marma,8, Mong Pru La Marma, 6, Mong Thoai Marma,8, Mong Sing Marma,7 and Khulsi Tripura, 12.

The death toll may rise if steps are not taken immediately to control the spread of the disease, he said. "Army personnel from Ruma are treating the diarrhea affected people but they have limited supplies of medicine", he added.

The areas are mostly inhabited by Tripra, Marma and Tanchangya tribes.

There is crisis of medicine and drinking water in the area. The only source of water in the areas is fountains, Jakob said.

He said he submitted an application to the Deputy Commi-ssioner (DC) on July 1 seeking medicines and a medical team. He also informed Rangamati Hill District Council (RHDC) Chairman Maniklal Dewan of the situation.

But no medical team was sent till Saturday, he said.

When contacted, the Civil Surgeon said he ordered the Bilaichhari thana health officer to send a medical team to the area immediately.

But other sources claimed that no team was formed till Saturday.

The DC however handed over Tk. 10,000 to Jakob to buy medicine for his area.

" I have asked the Headman (Mouza Chief) and local UP chairman to visit the area and report to me as early as possible", DC Dr Jafar Ahmed Khan said.