1716 snake bite deaths in 3-year in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: As many as 1716 people have succumbed to snake bites in the last three years in Odisha, as per latest government data.

Out of 4689 deaths in different disasters in the last three years, the snake bite toll is 1716, which is 37% of total disaster deaths in the state.

97% of snakebite victims are from rural areas and are mostly farmers, said the data.

The government data showed all 1716 snake bite deaths are reported from 282 blocks of 30 districts across the state.

Balasore district reported the highest number of snake bite deaths of 164.

As many as 147 victims are from Ganjam district, 145 from Keonjhar, 145 from Mayurbhanj and 114 from Bhadrak.

Most snake bite cases (1464 out of total 1716) occurred between May and October.

In May, the number of snake bite cases was 156, in June 281, in July 314, in August 306, in September 253 and in October 154.

The state government has declared snake bite as a State Specific Disaster (SSD) and next kin of the victim is entitled to a compensation of Rs. 4 lakh.

Anti-venom has been kept adequately and is available in all government hospitals across the state, said an official.