Nabarangpur, July 28 (UDN): Two persons lost their lives after being bitten by venomous snakes in separate incidents in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, highlighting the rising threat of snakebite cases during the ongoing monsoon season.

The deceased have been identified as Sapura Santa (38) of Jabaguda village under Badatemera Panchayat and Chaitanya Gouda (35) of Mangaliguda village under Bhalukanadi Panchayat in Jharigaon block.

According to local sources, Sapura Santa was sleeping on a cot inside his house on Monday night when a snake allegedly bit him. After informing his family members, he was rushed to the Jharigaon Community Health Centre. As his condition worsened, doctors referred him to the Umarkote Community Health Centre, where he died during treatment.

In a separate incident the same night, Chaitanya Gouda reportedly stepped out of his house to use the toilet after dinner when he was bitten by a venomous snake in the backyard. Family members immediately shifted him to the Jharigaon Community Health Centre before he was referred to the Umarkote Community Health Centre for advanced treatment. However, he also succumbed while undergoing treatment.

The twin fatalities have left both villages in mourning and sparked concern among residents over the increasing incidence of snakebites during the rainy season, when reptiles frequently enter human habitations in search of shelter.

Local residents have urged the administration to intensify awareness campaigns on snakebite prevention and ensure the availability of anti-venom and emergency treatment facilities at healthcare centres in vulnerable areas.

Officials are yet to issue a detailed statement on the incidents.