2 die of diarrhoea in remote Bandarban

At least two people including a community chief died due to diarrhoea in Remakri, a remote area of Thanchi, Bandarban.

Another 60 people were afflicted from the disease, said public representatives and health officials.

Wahiduzzaman, upazila health and family planning officer of Thanchi upazila, told The Daily Star that they were able to confirm two deaths from diarrhoea.

The deceased were identified as community chief (karbari) Menthang Mro (48) and Longri Mro (50).

Wahiduzzaman said they were informed about four deaths. But they could confirm two deaths as of today (June 14, 2022).

Mui Shoi Thui Marma, chairman of Remarki union parishad, told The Daily Star that it takes usually six to seven hours to reach the area, known as a remote union, where diarrhoea broke out. "Rainy season makes it even more difficult to get to there."

Mangchong Mro, member of ward-6 of Remarki union, said that the disease gripped seven villages including Yungnong, Singchong, Paktuya, Naresha Longan, Menthang, Nepheo, and Krahalong.

"The local market ran out of necessary medicines and saline which dealt more blows to the affected communities," he said adding that medicine and saline worth Tk 26,000 has been sent to the areas reeling from diarrhoea.

Nihar Ranjan Nandy, civil surgeon of Bandarban, confirmed the two deaths due to diarrhoea in Remakri.

"Four teams have been dispatched with medicines, water purification tablet, and oral saline. Members of BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) joined hand in tackling the situation. Due to rain and remoteness of the area, it is uphill task to work there", he said.