PURI/NABARANGPUR: The scourge of diarrhoea is back claiming three persons each in coastal Puri and predominantly tribal Nabarangpur districts. Many more are fighting for lives. Three persons died today and five were battling for lives in Puri infectious diseases hospital (IDH) after bouts of diarrhoea, while another 55 are undergoing treatment there. Cases of diarrhoea are being reported from three panchayats of Puri Sadar block for the last few days and the affected started pouring into the hospital since the beginning of the month, said IDH in-charge Umesh Chandra Choudhury. On January 1, 12 persons were admitted to the hospital followed by 35 the next day. While 31 came for treatment yesterday, 21 cases were reported today, Choudhury said. The deceased have been identified as Kumar Bhoi (48) and Jati Bhoi (52) of Balabhadrapur village and Rupei Pradhan (75) of Phentapur. Over 200 residents of Chandanpur, Biragobindpur, Birabalabhadrapur, Birakishorepur, Siruli and Dasgoba revenue villages and Pandasahi, Budhalinga, Uasahi and Kunchsahi hamlets under the Chandanpur, Biranarasinghpur and Birabalabhadrapur gram panchayats are reportedly suffering from this water-borne disease. The villagers are using raw pipe water being supplied to them from the Bhargavi river. Surprisingly, despite the river being identified as highly polluted, the residents were allowed to use the untreated water for drinking purpose. This apart, the pipeline network has been damaged at a number of places. Water Resource Department sources said the drinking water project, as per the norms, was handed over to the gram panchayats along with funds for carrying out repairs and maintenance. Three tribal children died of diarrhoea in the tribaldominated Nabarangpur district last night. Phul Kumar Bhotra (8), Manindra Bhotra (10) and Monobadha Bhotra (12) of Purla village under Jharigaon block were suddenly taken ill with loose motions and soon died. Another 13 persons, including four women and two children, have been admitted to government hospital at Umerkote and their condition is stated to be serious.