Increase in Venomous snake bites in Udupi District
Udupi: In the Udupi district, which is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, there has been an increase in cases of venomous snake bites in the year 2023, compared to the year 2022.
According to the statistics of the health department's surveillance unit, 572 snake bite cases have been reported in Udupi district during the last three years. 38 in 2021, 260 in 2022 and 274 in 2023 were bitten by venomous snakes and one died in 2023.
Only one death has been reported in the last three years due to the availability of medicines and appropriate treatment in all government hospitals related to snake bites in the district. Also, there are multi-specialty hospitals here, so many people have escaped from danger.
4 Venomous Snakes: Cobra, Kadambala (Kattu snake), Kannadi snake and Garagasa Hurupeya Mandala snake are venomous in the Udupi district. Medicines are available if any of these four snakes bite.
No medicine has been found so far for rattlesnake bites found in the Western Ghats. Because it is very rare for this snake to bite common people. Reptile expert Ajayagiri says that although the strength of the venom of the rattlesnake is less than that of the cobra, the quantity of venom is higher.
The Kannadi snake is most active during the rainy season. It stays in one place for many days and waits for its prey amid the trees. It will only attack to protect itself if it is trampled by those coming for wood. Such cases are often reported in the district. Breeding of most snakes takes place between December and February. The reptile expert has informed there will be more movement during this period.
“All the primary health centres of the district have sufficient stock of medicines related to snake bites. Also, we have all the necessary facilities for treatment. The District Collector has also called a meeting and sought information about this. Although many cases of snake bites have been reported in our district, only one death has occurred. That too, a man with mental problems was bitten by a snake and his death happened because he did not inform his family until his last moment.”
- Dr. I.P. Gadadh, District Health and Family Welfare Officer
“Snakes don't just bite anyone. Cobras give different warnings before they bite. Because if it bites, it will cause more damage. No cases of rattlesnake bites have been reported to the general public. It bites only those who catch it and torture it.”
-Ajay Giri, Reptologist
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Air Canada Express flight catches fire during landing in Halifax; Evacuations successful
Halifax: An Air Canada Express flight operated by PAL Airlines faced a landing gear failure while arriving from Newfoundland at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Canada, late Saturday night. The incident occurred around 9:30 pm local time and led to a partial fire, prompting an immediate evacuation of all passengers and crew.
Eyewitness accounts described the aircraft tilting to a 20-degree angle and skidding along the runway. Emergency services, including paramedics and the Nova Scotia RCMP, responded swiftly. An airport spokesperson confirmed that all onboard were evacuated safely and transported to a hangar for medical assessments.
The aircraft, with an estimated capacity of 80 passengers, was nearly full, though the exact number of occupants remains unconfirmed.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the landing gear failure, which may involve mechanical or procedural issues or external factors.
This incident coincided with a major aviation tragedy in South Korea. A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to Muan crashed during landing, resulting in 179 fatalities out of the 181 people on board. Video footage from the crash site showed the aircraft engulfed in flames shortly after impact.
