Bhubaneswar, Aug 27: Snakebite fears have gripped flood-hit districts of Odisha, where swollen rivers have driven venomous snakes into homes and villages.
In the past few days alone, 10 people have died, while official records show 242 snakebite cases across eight districts in just two months.
Residents report snakes such as cobra, krait, viper, and Russell's viper entering homes and biting people while they sleep.
In Jajpur's Dasharathpur, four venomous snakes were caught in a single locality, leaving villagers terrified. The Snake Helpline has been actively rescuing snakes and warning people to remain cautious.
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Experts have issued safety guidelines: avoid returning home at night after floodwaters recede, keep long sticks nearby, disinfect homes with phenyl and bleaching powder, and never throw snakes close by - instead release them far away or into rivers.
Government data reveals Bhadrak recorded the highest number of cases (70), followed by Jajpur (57) and Jagatsinghpur (56). Health specialists caution that even minor negligence can prove fatal. They urge victims to seek immediate hospital treatment rather than relying on traditional remedies.
Legislative records show that between 2023 and 2025, 2,118 people died from snakebites in Odisha. Currently, the government provides ₹4 lakh compensation to families of victims, but demands have grown to raise the amount to ₹10 lakh, in line with Supreme Court directives.
As floods continue to displace communities, the combination of rising snakebite cases and inadequate awareness has become a major public health challenge.