Guwahati, Aug. 30 -- Assam's July floods pushed hundreds of snakes into human settlements across Sivasagar district, increasing the risk of snakebites in homes, relief camps, schools, boats, and other public spaces. However, coordinated emergency measures helped ensure that no snakebite deaths were reported during the crisis, according to the Assam chapter of the ICMR SARPA Zero Snakebite Death Initiative.

The threat continued even after the floodwaters receded, with healthcare facilities recording a substantial rise in snakebite cases.

Data from Demow Model Hospital showed that admissions more than doubled compared with the same period last year, increasing from 45 cases in 2025 to 116 in 2026.

Between July 20 and August 20, three hea...