Spike in snakebite cases amid floods, 2 deaths reported so far

Jalandhar has witnessed a sharp rise in snakebite incidents this year, with 382 reported cases in 2025, including two fatalities. This surge follows the early monsoon onset and subsequent floods that have inundated rural areas, affecting local snake habitats and increasing human encounters with venomous snakes.

From January to April, there were 17 snakebite cases in the district. However, the number surged drastically in the last three months. As of mid-July, 109 cases had been recorded, with a significant jump in the past three months: 273 cases, including 21 in May, 61 in June, 108 in July, 81 in August and 94 in September.

Of the 382 cases, 199 were from rural areas and 183 from urban areas. The majority of bites have occurred in flood-affected rural belts like Phillaur, Nakodar and Shahkot, along with rural pockets such as Begowal and Bhogpur. Urban areas like Basti Danishmandan and Peerdaad, as well as industrial zones, have also seen a rise in reports.

The floods have worsened the situation, as water has filled the natural habitats of snakes, forcing them to migrate into nearby settlements. This has brought them into closer proximity to people. In rural areas, many migrant workers live in vehras, or informal settlements, which are often surrounded by thick undergrowth. These areas have seen an increase in snakebite cases, with reports of common kraits and cobras being the most frequent offenders. Rare cases of pit viper bites have also been noted.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in July, when a 45-year-old man from Randhawa Masandan village died of a cardiac arrest after being bitten by a snake. Another victim, a 60-year-old woman from Saifabad in Phillaur, was bitten while sleeping and a 15-year-old girl from Junior Model School, Ladowali Road, succumbed to her injuries days after a snakebite on July 17.

Doctors have reported several complications among snakebite victims, with some needing ventilator support. Experts say that the rapid migration of snakes due to floods, along with the overgrowth of plants in flooded areas, has led to more snake encounters.

To curb the fatalities, authorities are running awareness campaigns, urging residents, especially in flood-prone areas, to be vigilant and seek medical attention immediately after a snakebite. Epidemiologist Dr Shobhna emphasised the importance of quick reporting, as timely treatment can help prevent fatalities.

As the year continues, authorities are concerned that this trend may persist unless swift actions are taken to control the environmental factors contributing to the surge in snakebite cases.