Odisha floods drive snakebite and crocodile alerts in villages

Heavy monsoon rains have caused the Baitarani, Brahmani and Mahanadi rivers to overflow, submerging villages across Odisha. In Jajpur district's Dasharathpur block, floodwaters have forced snakes and other venomous reptiles into homes and temporary shelters. The Mangalpur Community Health Centre reported that 76 people received treatment for bites in five days, including 11 confirmed snakebites.

In the coastal district of Kendrapada, rising water levels have brought estuarine crocodiles from Bhitarkanika National Park closer to human habitations. A 46‑year‑old woman was killed by a crocodile while bathing, prompting the state forest department to launch a door‑to‑door awareness campaign and a WhatsApp helpline. Officials have offered ex gratia to the victim’s family and are urging residents to report crocodile sightings.