India, Aug. 3 -- As floodwaters gradually recede across Odisha, residents face fresh safety challenges due to an increase in reptile movement. The presence of snakes near residential areas has created fear among local communities returning to flood-affected homes.

Experts state that flooding forces snakes out of their natural habitats and burrows as water levels rise. The heavy water current sweeps reptiles into human settlements where they seek dry shelter and warmth.

Reasons Behind Surge In Human-Snake Encounters Subhendu Mallick, General Secretary of Snake Helpline, Odisha, said, "This is a general issue that arises during the flood situation. When floods occur, the burrows of snakes also get flooded for the reason they move out of ...