Snakebite Cases Surge Amid Chattogram Flood Crisis

Persistent heavy rainfall, flash floods and overflowing hill streams have triggered a sharp rise in snakebite incidents across several flood-hit areas of Chattogram, where venomous snakes have been forced out of their natural habitats and into residential neighbourhoods. Health authorities say at least 75 people have been injured by snakebites since the flooding began, although no fatalities have been reported so far.

As floodwaters continue to inundate homes, roads and agricultural land, residents in many affected communities are living with growing fears of encountering snakes inside houses, kitchens and courtyards. The situation has become particularly alarming in Banshkhali, where prolonged waterlogging has displaced wildlife and increased the likelihood of human-snake encounters.

Kader, a resident of Saral Union in Banshkhali Upazila, described the anxiety facing local families. He said floodwater had submerged the surroundings of their homes, allowing snakes to enter residential areas. As a result, people are afraid to move around after dark and even sleeping at night has become stressful. He added that he had never experienced such conditions before and that residents were struggling with both flood-related isolation and the constant fear of snakebites.

According to the Chattogram District Relief and Rehabilitation Office, the severe weather has claimed 13 lives across the city and the upazilas of Rangunia, Sitakunda, Raozan, Anwara, Hathazari, Satkania and Banshkhali. The victims include six children, four men and three women. The deaths resulted from flooding, landslides and wall collapses caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall.

Data from the Chattogram Civil Surgeon’s Office show that a total of 90 people have received treatment in hospitals after being injured during the ongoing disaster. Of those, two were injured in landslides, two in wall collapses, 75 suffered snakebites and 11 sustained injuries in other flood-related incidents.

The distribution of snakebite cases highlights the widespread impact across the district. Patiya has recorded the highest number of cases with 22 patients, followed by Boalkhali with 20 and Raozan with 14. Hathazari reported eight cases, while Rangunia, Satkania and Chandanaish each recorded three. Lohagara has reported two cases.

Dr Jahangir Alam, Civil Surgeon of Chattogram, said that up to Saturday, hospitals across the district had treated 90 people injured during the floods, including 75 snakebite patients. He confirmed that none of the snakebite victims had died, crediting prompt medical treatment and the availability of antivenom.

He said antivenom supplies and other essential medicines had been stocked at upazila health complexes to ensure timely treatment. Special medical teams have also been deployed to affected communities, where they are distributing oral rehydration salts, water purification tablets, paracetamol and other emergency medicines while providing basic healthcare services.

The flooding has also disrupted local healthcare infrastructure. According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, 24 community clinics in Satkania and 16 in Banshkhali have sustained flood damage. Floodwater also entered the Upazila Health Complexes in Satkania, Banshkhali and Boalkhali, although water levels have since receded and services are gradually returning to normal.

Medical teams have been instructed to prioritise emergency care in isolated communities. Pregnant women, seriously ill patients and young children requiring urgent treatment are being transported by boat to hospitals whenever necessary.

Health officials have urged residents in flood-affected areas to remain vigilant, particularly after dark when snakes are more active. People have been advised to check flooded areas with a stick before walking through them, wear protective footwear whenever possible, and seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a snake. Authorities have also warned against relying on traditional healers or superstitious practices, stressing that prompt hospital treatment remains the most effective way to prevent serious complications and save lives during the ongoing flood emergency.