Snake bite claims two lives in flood-hit Ajnala, Ramdass areas

As floodwaters continue to surround villages near Ajnala and Ramdass, yet another threat — of snake bites — has begun haunting residents. At Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, three people were brought in after being bitten by snakes. Tragically, two of them could not survive.

Civil Surgeon Dr Sawarnjit Dhawan confirmed the deaths, saying, “The number of snake bite cases has increased. Sadly, the two persons who died had reported very late to the hospital. After a snake bite, no time should be wasted. The patient must be taken immediately to a qualified physician.”

Dr Dhawan said the Health Department has taken urgent steps to deal with the crisis. “Our teams are working day and night to save precious lives. Anti-snake venom is available in all government hospitals, and treatment is being given free of cost,” he assured.

Health experts explained that floods have disturbed the natural habitat of snakes. Their burrows and hiding spots in the fields are filled with water, forcing them to move towards dry ground, houses and sometimes even relief camps. With villagers wading through floodwaters in search of safety, food or cattle, encounters with snakes have become more frequent and often deadly.

Dr Dhawan also pointed out that dog bite cases have increased in the affected areas. “While medicines for dog bites can even be started the next day, snake bites are a far more serious issue. The patient should stay calm, keep the affected part still, and rush to the nearest hospital without delay. Cutting, sucking or tying the wound tightly must be avoided. People in flooded areas can also use public helplines or medical camps if transport is difficult,” he advised.

The Health Department has dispatched over 100 anti-snake venom injections to rural hospitals in flood-hit villages. More than 150 doses are stocked at the district civil hospital, while Guru Nanak Dev Hospital has ensured a large supply in its emergency ward. Relief camps and mobile medical teams are also working round the clock to monitor and treat villagers.

For flood victims, already coping with destroyed crops, damaged homes and uncertainty about the future, the fear of unseen snakes hiding in murky waters has added another layer of misery. “We fear not just hunger and disease, but also what might be waiting for us in the waters,” said a villager.