Floods Trigger Crocodile Scare in Odisha’s Coastal Kendrapara

Kendrapara, July 18 : A wave of panic has gripped flood-affected villages in Odisha’s Kendrapara district after multiple sightings of estuarine crocodiles were reported in submerged areas along the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Kharasrota rivers. As floodwaters continue to inundate low-lying regions, fear of crocodile attacks has added to the hardships faced by residents.

The recent floods, caused by overflowing Brahmani, Kani, and Kharasrota rivers, have severely disrupted normal life in villages under Pattamundai, Aul, Rajnagar, and parts of Kendrapara block. Village roads and fields remain submerged, and several homes are surrounded by waist-deep water.

Forest officials confirmed that crocodiles, likely displaced from their natural habitats in nearby creeks and rivulets, may have floated into residential areas during the floods. “There is a strong possibility that crocodiles have entered villages, and we urge people to remain cautious,” warned a senior forest officer.

The Forest Department has issued an alert advising villagers to stay away from submerged embankments and avoid venturing into floodwaters unnecessarily. “If anyone spots a crocodile, they should immediately inform the forest officials so that necessary action can be taken,” said Sudarshan Gopinath Jadav, Divisional Forest Officer of Rajnagar Mangrove (Forest) and Wildlife Division.

Crocodile attacks are not uncommon in Kendrapara, which borders the Bhitarkanika National Park—home to a large population of estuarine crocodiles. Several lives have been lost in crocodile-related incidents over the years, especially in the Brahmani river region.

In addition to the crocodile scare, the District Health Department has issued a separate advisory warning of an increased risk of snakebites. Floodwaters have driven snakes out of their burrows in search of dry ground, raising the possibility of human encounters in homes or on elevated land.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have stepped up patrolling in sensitive areas. They continue to appeal to the public for vigilance and cooperation until floodwaters recede and normalcy is restored.