Two die of diarrhoea in Rangamati

Two indigenous persons died of diarrhoea and at least 50 others were suffering from the disease at Sajek union in Rangamati's Baghaichhari today.

The dead are Gabti Bala Tripura, 50, and Darung Tripura, 60, said Ban Behari Chakma, member of Sajek Union Parishad, reports our Rangamati correspondent.

Some 20 people are suffering from the disease at Longthian Para and 30 others at nearby villages, he added.

There has been an outbreak of diarrhoea in Longthian Para, Arun Para, Kaija Para, Raina Para and Sealdah areas of the union since last week, he further said.

The patients are being treated locally as there is no hospital or community clinic in the area.

Confirming the outbreak, Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rumana Akter said the disease is spreading mainly because of drinking water.

Baghaichhari Upazila Health Complex's Medical Officer Arbindu Chakma said he has received instructions to send a medical team there.

Arvindu Chakma said, "We have already left for Sajek with the necessary medicine saline and water purification tablets. It will take a day to reach the remote villages from Konglak Para of Sajek on foot."

Initially, saline has also been supplied in the areas from nearby BGB BOP.