Over 70 Fall Ill, 1 Dead After Suspected Water Contamination In Andhra Colony

Last Updated:February 25, 2026, 17:14 IST

Health officials said the incident has triggered an emergency response, with authorities intensifying surveillance and sanitation measures in the locality

One person has died and more than 70 others have fallen ill after allegedly consuming contaminated drinking water in Dammala Veedhi Colony of Srikakulam city in Andhra Pradesh. The affected residents have been admitted to various government and private hospitals, while several others with mild symptoms are being treated locally.

Health officials said the incident has triggered an emergency response, with authorities intensifying surveillance and sanitation measures in the locality. According to District Medical and Health Officer K Anita, residents began reporting cases of mild diarrhoea on January 22, prompting the health department to step up monitoring and preventive measures in the area.

She said the illnesses are suspected to have been caused by contaminated water, although samples of water and other materials have been collected and sent for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause. Door-to-door health screening is currently underway, and patients with mild symptoms are being treated on the spot.

As a precautionary measure, the health department has suspended water supply through the colony’s pipeline network and is providing safe drinking water through tanker services. Patients requiring advanced care have been referred to nearby medical camps and hospitals. At present, more than 70 people are undergoing treatment.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu convened a review meeting with senior health officials and district administrators to assess the situation. He directed authorities to ensure priority treatment for seriously ill patients and instructed departments to coordinate closely to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Opposition leader and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed concern over the incident, stating that the scale of illness caused by suspected contaminated water was alarming and demanded accountability from the government.

Residents have drawn parallels with the recent contaminated water outbreak in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where around 35 people reportedly died. The recurring incidents have raised fresh concerns over the quality and monitoring of drinking water supplies in urban localities.

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