Snake Alert in Kerala as People Return Home in Flood Ravaged State, Hospitals Stocking Anti-Venom Medication

Thiruvananthapuram, August 25: Kerala has issued a 'snake alert' in the state following reports of snakes being found in the homes of people after they have started returning to their houses as water recedes in the flood ravaged state. Hospitals are also readying anti-venom and flood victims returning home have been told to be alert as abandoned houses after floods are a favorite spot for snakes to hide.

Hospitals also said that there has been a spike in the number of cases due to snake bites in the state in past few days. Experts have warned that snakes may be "hiding in cupboards" or under carpets. People have been told to be careful of any secluded spot in or around their homes.

Media reports have informed that snakes have been spotted at many flood-hit homes and people have been constantly complaining about spotting snakes in their homes after they returned as the flood water has been receding.

Hospitals are also getting ready to face the situation. Instructions have been given by the state government to arrange medical assistance for snakebite victims. Anti-venom medicine are being stored in a large capacity in the hospitals especially in the worst flood-hit districts.

News agency PTI reported that the government had roped in a local snake expert, who advised returning residents to use a stick to sift through their belongings. The expert also advised the residents to not touch any household appliances or vessels with bare hands. Around a million people are still living in relief camps and reports claim that more than 400 people have died in the worst floods to hit Kerala in nearly a century.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2018 04:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).