Bhubaneswar, Dec 16 (IANS) Diarrhoea and other water borne diseases have killed 183 people in Orissa since January this year, state Health Minister Prasanna Acharya said Thursday.

The highest number of 123 deaths were reported from seven districts of Rayagada, Kalahandi, Gajapati, Nuapada, Nabrangpur, Ganjam and Malkangiri. The remaining 60 deaths were reported from other parts of the state, Acharya told the state assembly.

The state government took prompt and appropriate measures immediately after the outbreak, Acharya said while replying to an adjournment motion in the assembly on the issue.

He said the government is preparing a long term comprehensive action plan, which would help prevent deaths by diarrhoea and other water borne diseases.