Many residents in the Indian State of Kerala who are returning home after one of the worst floods to have hit the region have been bitten by snakes. The authorities say they have recorded an unprecedented number of cases of snakebite as the flood waters recede.
“We have seen an unusual number of snakebite cases as people from relief camps return to their homes and start cleaning activities,” said Dr Jaydeep Menon from Little Flower Hospital & Research Centre in Angamaly. “We are strongly advising people shifting back home to be mindful and check small holes, shoes and tiny openings”.
Instructions are being relayed through mobile phones and social media to residents on what needs to be done immediately after a snakebite, warning people to be vigilant “against snake encounters.” A virtual map of hospitals and snake experts is available online and on social media to help people locate the nearest expert and hospital. Regional experts and doctors are working round the clock, checking from home to home and removing any venomous snakes from houses.
Wildlife officials are also advising people not to panic, but when returning to their homes not to touch furniture and appliances.
“People should use sticks to sift through their belongings and create vibrations,” said Jose Louies from the Wildlife Trust of India. “Snakes are fearful creatures and move away instantly after detecting vibrations through the stomping of rods and sticks.”
Jose and his team, supported by the police and volunteers, are working in flood-affected areas, examining houses for people who are returning after the water has receded.
©Atul Loke/Getty Image
People are being advised to wear knee-high or thigh-high gumboots; to refrain from making sudden movements when confronted by a snake; and to check their vehicles and motorcycles carefully before handling them. In this part of India, three species of snakes – the common cobra, Russell’s viper and krait (as well as the pit-viper) – are deemed dangerous.
The most important advice for people bitten by snakes is to remain calm and not to panic, run, walk or move to avoid blood circulation and increased pulse rate as this might speed up the flow of the venom in the body.
So far, the response to this snake “emergency” has been excellent, with cross-collaboration of various services which has ensured that damage is minimal. The challenge now is to maintain the response for a few more weeks until both people and snakes settle down after the recent displacement.
Kerala, India’s southwestern State with more than 33 million inhabitants, has 14 districts which were battered by heavy rains and floods for more than 15 days. It is influenced by seasonal heavy rains during June–August, annually.
This year, record rainfall affected most of Kerala.