A family in Pathanapuram has been forced to abandon their home and seek refuge with neighbors following a severe infestation of poisonous snakes. The residents of Rajesh Bhavan in Pidavoor Moolankode report that the situation has become untenable, with snakes discovered in alarming locations, including under beds and beneath blankets.
Danger Within the Home
The infestation, which has persisted for two weeks, has turned the residence into a habitat for snakes, with numerous burrows found beneath the structure. The danger peaked when a snake and a rat fell from the roof onto a family member, Revathy, while she was sleeping.
Revathy suffered a snake bite during the incident and required medical treatment at the Punalur Taluk Hospital. While she has recently returned home, the family remains in a state of distress, having spotted another highly poisonous snake recently that retreated into the foundation of a section of the house under construction.
Compounding Hardships
The family’s struggle is exacerbated by severe financial and physical constraints. The father, Rajesh, is unable to work due to back problems, leaving the family dependent on the income earned by the mother through domestic work.
Adding to the crisis, recent heavy rains and strong winds blew away the roof of the house. The structure is now described as being in a state of collapse, with the family stating that the only viable solution is to demolish and rebuild the home.
Lack of Resolution
Despite the severity of the situation, the family reports a lack of meaningful support. While officials and political workers have visited the site, no concrete solution has been implemented to address the snake infestation or the destroyed housing.
The family now faces an uncertain future, with Revathy and Rena expressing desperation over their lack of options for safe housing while caring for their father.
Potential Next Steps
Given the current state of the property, the family may need to secure emergency housing assistance to avoid prolonged displacement. A full structural assessment could be necessary to determine if the foundation can be salvaged, though the family believes a total rebuild is the only way forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the family forced to leave their home?
The family left due to a severe infestation of poisonous snakes found under beds and blankets, numerous burrows under the house, and a snake bite incident involving their daughter.
What other damage has the house sustained?
Beyond the snake infestation, heavy rains and wind caused the roof of the house to blow away, leaving it in a condition where it may need to be demolished and rebuilt.
Who is supporting the family financially?
The family relies on the income earned by the mother from domestic work, as the father, Rajesh, is unable to work due to back problems.
How can local governments better support families facing the simultaneous loss of housing and environmental threats?
