India, Aug. 5 -- Flood waters from swollen rivers entering villages have prompted the Odisha government to issue a crocodile alert and launch a door-to-door awareness campaign and a WhatsApp helpline amid an increased risk of reptile attacks, especially in the coastal district of Kendrapara.

Kendrapara is home to the Bhitarkanika National Park that hosts estuarine crocodile nests. According to the latest survey, the park has 117 active nests of estuarine crocodiles.

Officials said the rise in the water levels in the Brahmani, Mahanadi and Baitarani river systems has increased the possibility of crocodiles reaching human habitation through different water channels.

According to an official statement, "For public safety, field staff of t...