After flood, fear of snakes, scorpions in Kodagu ruins

The fear of slithering snakes has gripped volunteers venturing out to rescue people and residents returning to the rubble of their devastated homes in Kodagu.

Considering the lurking danger, the Health and Family Welfare department has issued a list of dos and don’ts to prevent snake bites. A senior officer from the Health Department told DH, “During the rainy season, snakes get displaced from their natural habitat and seek shelter around human habitation as food is easily available. With rains damaging houses, these reptiles may have entered houses.”

The advisory said, “Reptiles, including snakes, may have entered human habitation along with flooding turbid waters as their common prey, including rodents, would also have been displaced due to the rain. Hence, volunteers and the general public need to be careful before entering abandoned houses and laying their hands on the debris.” In fact, the advisory cautioned people against touching even dead snakes.

The circular advised people to wear gumboots while walking around marshy and grassland areas. “Crevices and cracks in the uprooted vegetation may have been a hideout for snakes and scorpions,” the circular stated. People have been advised to clear debris and vegetation soon.

Dr K Jagadish, District Surgeon and Medical Superintendent said, “We have 530 vials of anti-snake venom at the district hospital. Besides, each PHC has also been supplied four to five vials to treat cases of snake bites.”