Threat of cholera looms over Kuttanad region

ALAPPUZHA: Even as shortage of drinking water is getting severe by the day in Kuttanad, the threat of a cholera outbreak has added to the water-logged regions woes.

In May 2009, there was an outbreak of cholera in the same area as the result of sewage seeping into drinking water pipelines. Sources said a recent survey by the Health Department found dangerous levels of coliform bacteria, including e.coli, in a majority of water sources in Kuttanad, following which the department is learnt to have alerted higher-ups on the possibility of a cholera outbreak. The survey, however, is yet to be made public.