Record Monsoon Rains In Bangladesh Trigger Surge In Deadly Snakebites; 25 Dead Since January 2025

**Surge in Snakebites Alarms Northern Bangladesh Amid Record Flooding**

In the flood-prone plains of northern Bangladesh, a surge in snakebites has alarmed both villagers and health authorities. Hospitals are struggling to manage the rising number of victims following record rainfall and severe flooding along the Padma River.

According to officials, nearly 15,000 people have been admitted for snakebites this year, with 84 deaths already confirmed. The escalating toll has raised serious concerns among medical experts and wildlife specialists.

### Rising Toll Amid Vanishing Habitats

Experts attribute the sharp rise in snakebite incidents to heavier monsoon rains, habitat loss, and changing farming practices. These factors have forced snakes into closer contact with people. Rajshahi district alone recorded approximately 1,409 millimetres of rainfall between May and September — roughly 20% higher than the seasonal average.

At Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, at least 25 people have died from snakebites since January. Professor Abu Shahin Mohammed Mahbubur Rahman reported that the facility treated over 1,000 snakebite cases in nine months. Among them were more than 200 venomous bites from cobras, kraits, and Russell’s vipers.

“Many patients suffer acute kidney failure after snakebites,” Rahman told the French news agency AFP.

### The Growing Threat of Russell’s Viper

The Russell’s viper, once rare in Bangladesh, has seen a rapid increase in numbers since 2013. Known to give birth to as many as 60 offspring at a time, this species has become particularly hard to control. Zoologist Farid Ahsan of Chittagong University noted that the viper’s ability to swim and drift on water hyacinths has allowed it to spread widely during floods.

### Hospitals Race to Respond

In response, the Ministry of Health has increased antivenom supplies, with current stock expected to last about three weeks, according to official Md Sayedur Rahman. Additional imports are being arranged; however, experts warn that foreign-made antidotes may not always effectively counter local venom varieties.

Bangladesh is currently developing its own Russell’s viper antivenom, but distribution is expected to take at least three years.

### Villagers Adopt Safety Measures

Meanwhile, villagers are adopting makeshift safety measures to reduce snakebite risks. Many are wearing boots in the fields, using torches at night, and sleeping under nets.

“It could be any of us next. We live every day with that thought,” said resident Mohammad Bablu in a conversation with AFP.

As northern Bangladesh faces ongoing flooding and ecological changes, the surge in snakebite incidents underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare resources and community awareness to save lives.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/record-monsoon-rains-in-bangladesh-trigger-surge-in-deadly-snakebites-25-dead-since-january-2025

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