Rivers in Jhalakathi have swollen under the influence of Cyclone Remal. The water has crossed the danger level and is entering residential areas, and many low-lying areas have already been flooded. This has sparked fear of snakes, which are getting into homes.

Residents say the rising water has submerged low gardens, bushes and scrub. With their usual habitats under water, snakes are taking shelter in bushes on higher ground and entering houses, causing panic among locals.

Local resident Mozammel Haque Roni said: "The water started rising from the morning. I saw a snake swimming in the water. I am afraid it will come into the house at any moment. I could not tell whether the snake was venomous, but it was jet black."

Water has entered Sachilapur, an area on the bank of the Bishkhali river. Yesterday locals beat two snakes to death on top of the embankment.

Zebunnesa, assistant professor of zoology at Jhalakathi Government College, said most of the snakes in the area are non-venomous, but people should still be careful of them.

She said snakes swim in water but cannot live in it. They make their nests in quiet bushes on higher ground, kitchens, cowsheds, outhouses and abandoned houses, and breed there. However, snakes cannot stay where citric acid is used.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.