Concerns Rise Over Village Deaths in Andhra Pradesh’s Turakapalem
In Turakapalem village of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, a health crisis is unfolding. Over the past two months, 20 villagers have died from an unknown disease, sparking alarm among officials and residents alike.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has taken quick action. He ordered health officials to treat this situation seriously, declare a health emergency in the village, and ensure that all residents with health issues are promptly taken to hospitals. He also emphasized the need for urgent health camps on Saturday and Sunday, where medical tests will be conducted for everyone to understand the health situation better.
To assist in solving this mystery, the Chief Minister suggested bringing in doctors from AIIMS Mangalagiri and even international medical experts, if needed. He also directed officials to provide safe, protected drinking water to Turakapalem residents and promised that no new cases should occur going forward.
Health officials suspect that a disease called Melioidosis might be behind the deaths. Blood samples from villagers have been sent to laboratories, and results are expected within three days. Officials are also investigating whether cattle in the village may have spread the virus, especially since most families depend on rearing cattle.
Experts warn that Melioidosis tends to spread during the rainy season and floods, mainly affecting farmers working in waterlogged fields. Because of this, authorities are paying special attention to prevent further infections.
Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav also visited Turakapalem on Thursday to review the situation. He questioned why it took so long to find out the cause of the mass deaths and expressed dissatisfaction with how district officials handled the crisis.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) have criticized the government. They blame neglect and poor management for the tragedy, claiming that over 40 villagers have lost their lives due to contaminated drinking water and government indifference.
Senior YSRCP leaders, including Dr. Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy and former minister Ambati Rambabu, harshly criticized the situation. They pointed out that villagers lack access to safe drinking water while loud volumes of contaminated water are still being transported from Turakapalem to Guntur city. Reddy condemned the government’s inaction, saying the village clinic is now non-functional and blaming negligent policies for the ongoing health crisis.
The opposition leaders have demanded immediate measures: supplying clean drinking water, setting up a dedicated hospital ward, appointing senior doctors for treatment, and offering compensation to the families who lost loved ones.
As villagers continue to await answers and relief, the focus remains on controlling the disease and preventing further tragedy in Turakapalem.
