The threat of epidemic is looming large in Odisha's worst-hit Ganjam district as the debris is yet to be cleared even six days after Cyclone Phailin left behind its trail of destruction. Five diarrhoea cases have already been reported from Sorala, a fishermen village in the coastal area.

The disease was also reported from the nearby villages. Confirming it, Ganjam chief medical officer P K Kar, however, said the situation was not alarming.   We have received some sporadic cases.

But the situation is totally normal, he said. Kar said at least ten teams of doctors along with paramedical staff were touring the cyclone-ravaged areas.   At least two teams were deputed to the district from Bhubaneswar and all the senior doctors in the area have been alerted to be prepared to meet the situation, Kar added.  

Managing Director of National Rural Health Mission Roopa Mishra today reviewed the preparedness of the health sector to meet the outbreak of any epidemic here.  

Locals complained that the situation was the worst in Berhampore Municipal Corporation area as heaps of garbage, branches of trees lay piled up in the south Odisha town.