The ongoing flood is wreaking havoc on human lives, livestock, wildlife, and properties in affected areas of Bangladesh. Floodwater is washing away houses, trees, cattle, and people with the current. Apart from the rampage of floodwater, people also die from snake bites and other poisonous insects during the rainy season. To prevent such unwanted loss of lives, mass awareness is needed. Why Do Floods Increase Snake Movement? Floodwaters disrupt the natural environment, forcing snakes to leave their habitats in search of dry land. In a country like Bangladesh, where rivers crisscross the landscape, the risk of encountering snakes during and after a flood is particularly high. These reptiles may enter homes, fields, and even urban areas as they seek refuge from the rising waters. Types of Snakes Commonly Found in Flood-Affected Areas In Bangladesh, both venomous and non-venomous snakes prevail. A few of the common species are: Russell’s Viper: One of the most dangerous venomous snakes in Bangladesh.Common Krait: Known for its potent venom and nocturnal behavior.Spectacled Cobra: A venomous snake that is often found in residential areas.Rat Snake: Non-venomous but can be mistaken for a cobra due to its size. Knowing the types of snakes in your area can help you stay vigilant and take appropriate precautions. Read more: Russell's Viper: Myths, Facts, and Everything You Need to Know Cautions Before Inundation to Minimise the Risk of Snake Encounters  Preparation is key to reducing the risk of snake attacks during a flood. Here are some steps you can take before the floodwaters rise: Secure Your Home Ensure that your home is as snake-proof as possible. Check for gaps and holes in walls, doors, and windows where snakes could enter. Seal these openings with caulk or other suitable materials. Pay special attention to areas around pipes and drains, as snakes can use these as entry points. Clear Your Surroundings Keep your yard and surrounding areas clear of debris, tall grass, and piles of wood or trash. These can serve as hiding spots for snakes. Regularly trim bushes to reduce the likelihood of snakes taking up residence near your home. Read more: Essential Snake Safety Tips for Hiking, Trekking, Camping, and Traveling Double-check Household Items Store food, water, and other essential items on elevated platforms to avoid attracting snakes into your home during a flood. Snakes may enter buildings in search of food, and eliminating potential food sources can reduce this risk. Educate Your Family Teach your family members, especially children, about the dangers of snakes and how to identify common species in your area. Make sure everyone knows how to respond if they encounter a snake, including keeping a safe distance and notifying an adult immediately. Safety Measures During the Flood to Avoid Snake Attacks When floodwaters rise, snakes are more likely to be on the move. Here’s how to stay safe: Stay Indoor If possible, stay indoor during the height of the flood. Snakes may be swimming in the water or seeking shelter on dry ground. Avoid wading through floodwaters, especially in areas where visibility is low. Read more: Hollywood's Top 10 Most Thrilling Snake Films Use a Stick to Probe Ahead If you must walk through floodwaters, use a long stick to probe the ground ahead of you. This can help you detect any hidden snakes before stepping on them. Wear boots and long pants to protect your legs from potential bites. Be Cautious Around Debris Floodwaters can carry debris like logs, branches, and trash, which may provide hiding spots for snakes. Be cautious when moving or working near debris, and avoid reaching into areas where you cannot see clearly. Keep Your Home Well-Lit Snakes tend to avoid well-lit areas. If you’re using a generator or battery-powered lights, keep your home well-lit at night to deter snakes from entering. Read more: Russell's Viper: Myths, Facts, and Everything You Need to Know

Following the announcement of a Tk 50,000 bounty for catching a Russell’s viper alive, residents along the Padma riverbank in Faridpur have become desperate to capture the snakes. Last Thursday, Shah Md Ishtiak Arif, general secretary of the Faridpur district unit of the Awami League, announced the Tk 50,000 bounty for each live Russell’s viper in the Kotwali area of Faridpur. He made the announcement during a speech at a meeting over the party's founding anniversary. What to do when you encounter a Russell's Viper: Environment Ministry issues guidelines In response to the announcement, Rezaul Khan, a farmer from Aliabad union, found a Russell’s viper while working on his land and captured it, confining the snake in an aluminum pot. He then took the snake to Ward Councillor Awlad Hossain, who instructed him to submit it to the local forest department and obtain an acknowledgement letter. However, Rezaul expressed frustration as the forest department authorities neither accepted the snake nor provided an acknowledgement letter. Over the past two days, several snakes have been caught and taken to the forest department, creating chaos as people sought receipts for their captures. Health Minister orders ensuring adequate stock of Russell's Viper antivenom in all hospitals Golam Kuddus Bhuiyan, Divisional Forest Officer, stated that there is no legal provision for catching these snakes, and doing so is considered illegal. "We can’t provide any acknowledgement letter for this. So far, three people have tried to submit snakes expecting a bounty until Sunday noon. We are facing a problem," he said. Meanwhile, Rezaul took the snake to the Faridpur Press Club on Saturday night.