Cholera in Mannar

K ARUMUGAM, 18, died of cholera at Vaddakandal in Mannar District on 2 July. Four days later, Najima Amir of Erukkalampiddi on Mannar Island also died. Reports say many refugees in the Madhu refugee camp have contracted cholera and two were admitted to Madhu hospital. Over 50 people, including some from the Erukkalampiddi refugee camp, were admitted to Mannar hospital.

In an effort to prevent an epidemic, the sale of ice-cream and soft drinks were prohibited on the recommendations of the Public Health Inspector and a public education campaign was launched. In late July, Mannar Government Agent SM Croos announced that the disease was under control.

The reduction in food aid will affect Mannar badly as more refugees arrive from the Vanni. Over 75 people a day are said to be arriving on Mannar Island. The GA has been ordered to reduce the number of families receiving assistance from 16,200 to 14,200.

The LTTE blasted three electricity towers with bombs on 6 July at Chemmantivu on Medawachchiya-Mannar road. An Army officer and another soldier were killed by a LTTE landmine on Mannar-Vavuniya road on 20 July. A Tiger died in a clash on 30 July at Nanattan. Three Navy personnel who were clearing mines on Mannar Island to facilitate resettlement were injured by a landmine on 31 July.


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