Bhubaneswar: Snakebite cases and reports of snakes intruding into homes have emerged as a major challenge in flood-affected districts of Odisha, where inundation has forced reptiles out of their natural shelters and closer to human habitation.Floods have continued in parts of north Odisha since July, while several other districts were affected later. In the past two months, more than 240 snakebite cases have been reported from eight districts, led by Bhadrak led with the highest number of 70 cases, followed by Jajpur with 57 cases. The govt is yet to release data on snakebite deaths from flood-affected areas.Residents said the situation has become frightening, especially at night. “Floodwater entered our house and we found a snake near the kitchen. We are keeping children on cots and using torchlights even inside the house,” said Urmila Behera, a resident of a marooned village in Bhadrak district.In Jajpur, villagers said moving through waterlogged areas has become risky. “We have to wade through knee-deep water to bring drinking water and food. We cannot see what is under the water. Everyone is scared of snakebites,” said Ramesh Mallick, a resident of a flood-hit village. Health minister Mukesh Mahaling said adequate stocks of anti-venom injections have been sent to hospitals in flood-affected areas. He said all snakebite patients reported from these areas were immediately provided antivenom and are now healthy.“We have made antivenom injections available at the primary health centre-level in flood-affected districts to manage snakebite cases. I have instructed officials to maintain adequate stocks of antivenoms,” Mahaling said.A senior health department official advised people not to delay treatment. “If anybody gets bitten by snake, immediately go to local govt hospital. The patient will be given anti-venom injection followed by related treatment. People should not believe in any superstition or local treatment by quacks,” the official said.Experts have advised people to remain alert while wading through floodwater, clearing debris, lifting stored materials or entering abandoned houses. They said snakes often take shelter in dry corners, heaps of firewood, cattle sheds and household storage areas during floods.Between 2023 and 2025, as many as 2,118 snakebite cases were reported from Odisha. The state govt provides Rs 4 lakh compensation to families of people who die of snakebite.
