Flood-hit Odisha villages face rising snake threat

Several villages in flood-hit Odisha are now facing a growing snake menace, with displaced residents living in makeshift shelters reporting an increase in snake sightings. OdishaTV reports that the deluge has driven snakes from their burrows into human settlements, heightening the risk of bites. Many villagers, already struggling with loss of homes and belongings, are now sleeping in the open or in temporary camps, where snakes have been spotted slithering through debris and floodwaters.

Local snake rescuers have been deployed to capture and safely release the reptiles, but the scale of the inundation has stretched resources thin. The state government has advised people to remain vigilant and contact helplines in case of encounters. Relief camps have been instructed to stock anti-venom supplies, though residents in remote areas complain of slow response times. Officials are assessing the situation to prevent a public health crisis as floodwaters begin to recede.