Kendrapara, July 18 (UNI) Fear of crocodile attacks looms over flood-hit riverside villages in coastal Kendrapara in Odisha after several estuarine crocodiles were sighted in submerged areas along the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Kharasrota rivers.
The recent floods in the Brahmani, Kani, and Kharasrota river systems have severely disrupted daily life in low-lying areas, especially in Pattamundai, Aul, Rajnagar, and parts of Kendrapara block, where village roads are submerged under floodwaters.
Adding to the residents’ woes, multiple sightings of estuarine crocodiles have been reported from the Kharasrota and Brahmani rivers.
Human-wildlife conflict, particularly involving crocodiles, is not new to these regions. In past years, several lives have been lost—most of them in crocodile attacks in the Brahmani river.
Residents of flood-affected villages in Pattamundai, Aul, and Kendrapara blocks are now living in fear, suspecting that crocodiles may have strayed into the flooded human habitations.
During floods, it is common for crocodiles to float upstream from creeks and rivulets, as aquatic animals instinctively move against the water current to escape turbulent flows.
“There is a strong possibility that crocodiles have entered residential areas during the floods,” a forest official warned.
In response, the Forest Department has issued an alert, advising riverside villagers to avoid going near submerged river embankments and to remain cautious while wading through waist-deep water.
“We have urged villagers to immediately inform forest officials if they spot any crocodiles, so we can take steps to capture the reptile,” said Sudarshan Gopinath Jadav, Divisional Forest Officer of Rajnagar Mangrove (Forest) and Wildlife Division.
Meanwhile, the District Health Department has also issued a separate advisory warning about the heightened risk of snakebites.
As floodwaters inundate burrows and low-lying areas, snakes are emerging in search of higher, safer ground and may enter homes or other elevated spaces for shelter.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to exercise extreme caution until water levels recede.
