ABUJA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people have been confirmed killed following an outbreak of cholera in Nigeria's northeastern state of Adamawa, according to health authorities on Wednesday.

A total of 176 cases of cholera have been recorded so far, resulting from a heavy downpour that flooded many sources of water particularly wells in rural communities, said Bwalki Dilli, a public health director in Adamawa.

Dilli said the government had responded by providing drugs to the victims.

He said the World Health Organization had also provided medical support to the victims.

The local government said it has sensitized locals on the need to stop open defecation, keeping personal hygiene and making their environment clean.

The infectious cholera disease causes severe watery diarrhea and can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated.