At least 500 Riang tribals from Mizoram are feared dead as gastro-enteritis and cholera have been taken epidemic proportions at refugee camps in northern Tripura. The tribals had fled Mizoram in October because of ethnic conflict and took refuge in these camps to escape attacks by the Mizos. One out of every three families have lost a member as malnourished children and under-fed mothers have been easy prey for the epidemic.