Guwahati: 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 healthcare facilities in Sivasagar treated a combined 249 snakebite patients. Sivasagar Civil Hospital reported 64 cases; Ligiripukhuri Hospital in Nazira treated 25, while Demow CHC-cum-Model Hospital recorded 160 cases.

Among the reported cases, Sivasagar Civil Hospital recorded one venomous bite, Ligiripukhuri Hospital treated a King Cobra bite and Demow reported 24 venomous snakebite cases.

Despite the increase, no deaths from snakebite were reported during the flood emergency.

The SARPA initiative attributed the outcome to advance planning, trained snake rescuers, rapid communication, emergency evacuation arrangements and timely access to medical treatment.

Floods disrupted medical access

The emergency response was complicated by widespread flooding that affected healthcare infrastructure and transportation routes. Ligiripukhuri Hospital and the District Hospital at Joysagar were inundated, while several roads remained under water.

In one incident during the peak of the floods, a person bitten by a venomous snake had to be transported to Sivasagar Civil Hospital in a dump truck after conventional routes were disrupted. The patient survived and recovered.

The SARPA Helpline, 9957875108, served as a coordination point linking victims, rescuers and healthcare facilities. Launched in February, the helpline has received nearly 500 calls from across Assam, including 209 snakebite cases that received direct assistance during and after the floods.

Helpline operators collected information about the snake, including its colour and size, the time of the bite and the symptoms experienced by the victim. The information helped assess the potential severity of the bite and determine the urgency of evacuation.

For suspected venomous bites, evacuation was coordinated with the District Disaster Management Authority, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) resources deployed when required.

Despite difficult conditions and flooded roads, medical teams at Demow Model Hospital and CHC continued to treat snakebite patients throughout the emergency.

More than 250 snakes rescued

The flood response also involved rescuing snakes that entered populated areas in search of higher ground, food and shelter.

More than 250 snakes were reportedly rescued and relocated from flood-affected areas of Sivasagar during and after the floods.

Trained rescuers were sent to locations where snakes were found inside houses, relief camps, boats and public buildings. The initiative said the intervention reduced the risk of residents attempting to catch or kill the reptiles themselves.

The rise in snakebite cases after the floods is consistent with the established link between flooding and increased human-snake encounters. Floodwaters can force snakes out of burrows, fields and vegetation, while displaced residents often gather in limited areas of dry land. Even after the water recedes, snakes may remain displaced while searching for shelter and prey.

Previous studies have also documented increased snakebite incidence during flooding and monsoon periods in several parts of South Asia.

Preparedness key to preventing deaths

The experience in Sivasagar has highlighted the need to include snakebite management in disaster preparedness and flood-response plans rather than treating it only as a healthcare issue.

Dr Surajit Giri, associated with the Demow Model of snakebite management, said preventing snakebite deaths requires a coordinated chain of measures, including public awareness, early reporting, trained rescue teams, emergency transportation and prompt medical treatment.

The SARPA Assam team, comprising Dr Rafika Yasmin, Partha Protim Barua, Manjeet Neog, Sukanya Bhagawati and Aksheta Sharma, coordinated the response with local rescuers.

Ramiz Ali, Robin Bailung, Jyoti Prasad Barua, Mrinmoy Jyoti Das, Rasmita Das, Sahil Rahman, Suraj Singh and Balwinder Singh were among those involved in rescue operations in Sivasagar.

The rescuers continued responding to emergency calls despite inundated roads and adverse weather.

Officials have urged residents to remain alert even after floodwaters recede and advised them not to approach, capture or kill snakes.

People bitten by a snake have also been advised to seek medical attention immediately rather than waiting to determine whether the snake was venomous.

The SARPA Helpline can be reached at 9957875108 for snake sightings and snakebite emergencies.

The Sivasagar experience demonstrates that while floods cannot always be prevented, deaths linked to secondary hazards such as snakebites can be reduced through advance preparedness, scientific awareness, rapid evacuation and coordinated community action.