Sivasagar records 12 deaths

A Correspondent

JOYSAGAR, July 9: Devastating flood and erosion has affected Sivasagar district along with the rest of the State. The first wave of the flood hit the entire district. About 15,000 villagers of around 59 villages were affected. Meanwhile, after continuous rain for many weeks, the weather has improved and flood water has started to recede in many villages since Friday. Now the challenge for the authorities concerned is post-flood diseases among the flood-affected people. Many villages have recorded high identification ratio of Japanese Encephalitis patients.

Sources informed that a total of 65 villages reported JE patients. Among them, 40 cases were serious and 25 patients were referred to Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh for better treatment and till date JE has claimed 12 lives in the district this year.

Meanwhile, the State Malaria Department is also taking steps to prevent outbreak of malaria in the district. Free blood testing and drinking water testing camps are being held throughout the district. Fogging drive is also on.