Indian residents fall ill after consuming water

A total of 176 residents from the Indian region of Mohali have fallen ill as a result of contaminated drinking water, it has been reported.

The Times of India related that this was due to the local water supply being contaminated with water-dwelling mammals such as lizards.

It quoted civil surgeon Avtar Singh as saying that around 70 of the affected citizens displayed symptoms such as back pain, vomiting and dysentery.

Partap Singh, executive engineer of public health for Mohali, said: "We have closed the source of water that is supplied through the Sialwa village. The sample will be sent for laboratory testing."

He added that households were now undergoing examination and medical assistance is being offered to residents.

In similar developments, the water supply in Iraq is posing a threat to those living in the country after outbreaks of cholera marred the region during the summer, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.