Around 1716 people have succumbed to snake bites in the last three years in Odisha, as per latest government data.
Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said in the last three years, out of 4689 deaths in different disasters, snake bite toll is 1716, which is 37% of total disaster deaths in the state.
He said 97% of snake bite victims are from rural areas and are mostly farmers.
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 – 164. As many as 147 victims are from Ganjam district, 145 from Keonjhar, 145 from Mayurbhanj and 114 from Bhadrakh.
Most snake bite cases (1464 out of total 1716) occurred between May to October.
In May, number of snake bite cases was 156, in June 281, in July 314, in August 306, in September 253 and in October 154.
Pertinently, snake bite has been declared as a State Specific Disaster (SSD) in Odisha and next kin of the victim is entitled for a compensation of Rs. 4 lakh.
Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena assured anti-venom has been stocked up adequately and is available in all government hospitals across the state.
Image credit.@ Facebook SpecialReliefOdisha.