No epidemic in Bairabi: Mizoram Govt

Aizawl, Sep 18 (UNI) The Mizoram Government has ruled out epidemic at Bairabi in Kolasib district and its adjoining villages following the recent floods.

Rumours of epidemics had broken out after the swelling Tlawng river flooded large areas of Bairabi and adjoining villages and a medical team was sent there.

The team, which included Kolasib SDO (Sadar) Lalsangliana, Dr Lalhlimpuia from Kolasib Civil Hospital, PHE SDO K Lalhminmawia and Bairabi ADC L Rinliana, confirmed that there were no epidemic diseases in the area.

Samples of the river had been sent to Aizawl for laboratory tests before making the confirmation.

District authorities disbursed Rs 10,000 each to 22 families whose houses had been destroyed and Rs 500-5,000 to others whose houses had been partially damaged by the floods.

Official sources said compensation for paddy fields and fishery ponds would be given later.

According to initial reports, in Kolasib district, at least 75,000 acres of wet rice cultivations belonging to 230 families, 6,600 acres of jhums belonging to 32 families and 1,250 fishery ponds had been damaged by floods.

UNI