Suspected Contaminated Water Claims Life, Sparks Panic in Srikakulam

A suspected case of contaminated drinking water has claimed one life and left over 70 people hospitalized in Dammala Veedhi Colony of Srikakulam district. The incident has triggered alarm, with health officials and the district administration launching emergency containment measures .

Residents had first reported mild diarrhoea and vomiting on January 22. Despite intensified surveillance and sanitation efforts, cases surged in recent days, resulting in large-scale hospitalisations .

District Medical and Health Officer K. Anitha said contaminated water is suspected to be the primary cause. Samples have been collected for laboratory analysis to determine the exact source of the outbreak.

Medical teams are conducting door-to-door health screenings in the affected colony. While patients with mild symptoms are being treated locally, serious cases have been shifted to hospitals, where doctors are closely monitoring their condition. As a precaution, authorities have shut down the local pipeline and arranged tanker-based safe water supply .

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation and directed officials to prioritise care for critically ill patients and strengthen coordination to prevent recurrence.

YSR Congress Party chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy termed the incident an administrative failure , urging special attention for those in critical condition.

In the Legislative Council, Minister Satyakumar Yadav said water contamination is a leading cause of such outbreaks and outlined preventive steps, including overhead tank cleaning drives . Efforts under the Jal Jeevan Mission are being intensified to ensure safe drinking water.

Authorities said monitoring will continue until the situation is fully under control.