The Kodaly family in Thrissur district faced a nightmare no parent should ever have to endure. Eight-year-old Aljo was bitten by a krait while he slept. His brother Anoj was also bitten. Tragically, Aljo did not survive. Similar incidents have occurred across Kerala as an alarming increase in snakebites coincides with an intense heatwave hitting the region.
This is no mere coincidence. Kerala is currently grappling with extreme temperatures, leading to more snakes seeking shelter in human spaces. Just recently, 23 people needed urgent medical help for snakebites in one day alone.
### Why Is This Happening?
Snakes are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature relies on their surroundings. As the heat rises, they search for cooler places, often venturing into homes for relief. Research from Emory University shows that for every degree Celsius increase, the chance of a snakebite needing medical attention jumps by 6%. So, if it’s 87°F one day and 96°F the next, the bite risk spikes by about 32%.
In Israel, a study over eight years found a similar trend. The risk for snakebites rose significantly when temperatures exceeded 23°C. This pattern holds true around the globe, showing that heat waves can intensify snake activity and increase encounters with humans.
### A Dangerous Season
Adding to the problem, this time of year is also peak breeding season for many snakes. This increases the likelihood of human encounters, particularly with venomous ones like cobras and kraits. The heat is pushing them out of their natural habitats and into places where people live.
### A Wider Issue in India
The crisis in Kerala is just a glimpse of a larger issue in India. Between 2000 and 2019, around 1.2 million snakebite deaths occurred in the country—averaging about 58,000 each year. The World Health Organization has labeled snakebite envenoming as a top neglected tropical disease, heavily impacting rural communities.
As heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, these numbers are unlikely to decrease without proactive measures.
### Community Response
Hospitals in Kerala are responding by ensuring that anti-venom is readily available and that victims receive timely care. Thanks to the efforts of the Kerala Forest Department, there are over 1,200 certified snake rescuers available. People are encouraged to use the SARPA mobile application or contact local coordinators for quick help.
Yet, waiting for medical response isn’t enough. There needs to be a push for better waste and vegetation management around homes, public awareness campaigns during peak summer, and integrating snakebite prevention into climate resilience strategies.
The ongoing heatwave will eventually subside, but it’s a stark reminder: climate change brings significant challenges that go beyond rising temperatures. It impacts ecosystems and increases public health risks. The snakes coming into homes are more than just a report; they symbolize a pressing warning for our future.
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climate change,environment,heatwaves,Kerala,Snakebite
