Diarrhoea Outbreak in Assam’s Tinsukia District Claims 11 Lives

A severe diarrhoea outbreak in the Tongonagaon tea estate, Assam’s Tinsukia district, has resulted in 11 deaths over the past 10 days, with the first death reported on May 12 and the latest on Wednesday. Doomdooma MLA Rupesh Gowala visited the estate to assess the situation and directed health officials to take immediate action. The outbreak, suspected to be caused by contaminated water or food, has escalated into an epidemic, particularly affecting the Kulibill line of the garden.

Several affected individuals are receiving treatment at the garden hospital, while others remain untreated. The deceased have been identified, and the Assam Tea Tribe Students’ Association (ATTSA) has submitted a memorandum to the district commissioner, demanding medical treatment, proper health services in all tea gardens, ex-gratia payments to victims’ families, and the organization of medical camps.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed concerns and communicated with state officials to evaluate the situation.