India, Aug. 7 -- More than 70 people, including 30 children, fell ill after attending a community feast held during a housewarming ceremony in Odisha's Balasore, officials said on Friday.

The incident occurred in Kharida village, where a resident had organised the feast on Thursday, news agency PTI reported. Those who consumed the food and water at the event began suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting on Friday, according to officials quoted in the report.

Officials suspect the illness may have been caused by contaminated food or drinking water. Samples have been collected from the village and sent for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause.

Around 50 people with severe symptoms were admitted to the Jaleswar hospital, while ot...