The rising floodwaters in the northern provinces of Vietnam have forced various snake species to seek dry shelter, which increases the risk of encounters between snakes and humans, potentially leading to snakebite incidents.
The remnants of Typhoon Yagi have caused heavy rainfall across the northern provinces, resulting in widespread flooding. The rising waters not only isolate many areas and complicate the delivery of essential supplies but also pose a danger of snake bites as these reptiles follow the floodwaters in search of dry land.
On major social media platforms in Vietnam, such as Facebook and Zalo, especially within specialized Facebook groups focused on snake identification, many users have reported sightings of snakes swimming in the floodwaters toward populated areas.
Based on images and videos shared by netizens, there is a notable presence of several venomous snake species in the floodwaters, such as cobras and Malayan pit vipers. This has raised concerns that venomous snakes might enter homes via the floodwaters and pose a threat to humans.
What to Do If Snakes Enter Your Home with Floodwaters?
According to Master Nguyen Van Tan, a research officer at Duy Tan University (Da Nang) and an expert in classifying reptiles and amphibians, as well as the manager of SIFASV, a Facebook group dedicated to snake identification in Vietnam, it is impossible to prevent snakes from swimming or crawling into homes during floods, as animals also seek shelter during natural disasters.
A cobra discovered in a household in Thai Binh post-flood (Photo: SIFASV).
Master Tan emphasizes that the most important thing is for residents to be able to recognize and distinguish between dangerous snake species and harmless ones to develop appropriate response plans. However, identifying snakes is not easy, especially for those lacking sufficient knowledge and expertise.
If residents are knowledgeable enough to recognize common, non-dangerous snake species, they can allow the snakes to leave on their own.
In cases where a snake entering the home is identified as venomous or its species is uncertain, posing a potential threat to humans, it is essential to address the situation before the snake hides in corners or positions where it may attack.
However, not all households have the necessary tools to handle snakes, nor does everyone possess the skills to manage snakes entering their homes. Residents may seek help from neighbors capable of capturing or handling snakes.
A family discovers a cobra stuck in a mouse trap while cleaning up after the storm (Photo: SIFASV).
If capturing or relocating the snake is not feasible to avoid danger, residents may resort to the last option of finding ways to eliminate the snake to ensure their safety and that of their families.
Overall, people need to be adaptable and employ appropriate strategies when encountering snakes entering their homes due to flooding. The top priority remains the safety of human life.
Additionally, residents should use their phones or recording devices to capture images of the snakes. These images can be extremely helpful in the unfortunate event of a snake bite, assisting doctors in determining appropriate treatment and the use of specific antivenoms based on the type of venomous snake involved.
What to Do If Bitten by a Snake While Seeking Shelter from Floods?
Being bitten by a snake during the rainy season is a severe accident, as victims may struggle to access timely and adequate medical care.
Master Tan suggests that the best approach is still “prevention is better than cure,” meaning it is advisable to closely observe the area where one is seeking shelter from the floods and quickly clear any potential hiding spots for snakes to recognize their presence promptly.
Residents should also educate themselves about snake species to identify common venomous snakes.
Cobra, Malayan pit viper, and bamboo pit viper – three common venomous snake species found in northern Vietnam.
If bitten by a snake, it is crucial to reassure the victim to remain calm, avoid excessive movement that could accelerate heart rate, and keep the bite site lower than the heart to slow the spread of venom.
While floods complicate movement, the best response to a venomous snake bite is to get the victim to a medical facility as soon as possible. Measures such as cutting the wound, sucking out venom, or applying herbal remedies may worsen the victim’s condition.
