A monsoon outing in Maharashtra turned fatal for a tourist from Karnataka, after he was bitten by a deadly snake. The tragedy highlights a danger that is easy to overlook when tourists ignore the crevices and focus on waterfalls. As per a report by The Times of India, the victim was a 38-year-old tourist from Karnataka named Gangadhar Marappa. The man reportedly died after a suspected snakebite during a visit to Amboli waterfalls in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district.What happenedAs per reports, Marappa was sitting among rocks beneath a waterfall unaware of a snake hiding in the crevices. After some time, he complained of dizziness and uneasiness. He was soon taken to a primary health centre nearby. There he was referred to Sawantwadi Sub-District Hospital.Given it was a weekend, there was heavy traffic on the route from Amboli. It caused delays and the victim died while being taken to the hospital. After examination, doctors said there was a bruise on his buttocks which suggested a possible snakebite. The exact cause was still being investigated through medical examination.The incident is a stark reminder that popular monsoon destinations can carry unknown risks.Amboli, a prime attraction monsoon attractionAmboli is among Maharashtra’s most famous monsoon escapes. Set in the Sahyadri hills of Sindhudurg district, the hill station is known for heavy rainfall, dense forests, mist-covered slopes and pretty waterfalls. As per Maharashtra Tourism, Amboli is a biodiversity-rich destination. The star attraction of the place is the Amboli waterfall. There are viewpoints such as Kavlesad and Mahadevgad offering stunning views of the Western Ghats.
Vine Snake (South and Southeast Asia)
But such natural beauties also come with their hidden dangers.Rain fills crevices and hollows which are the most-loved hiding places for deadly snakes and other wildlife. For tourists, this means that sitting or walking among rocks, tall grass and bushes without checking the surroundings can carry risk.Never assume a snakebite is harmlessOne of the biggest dangers with snakebites is assuming that a bite is not serious. The World Health Organization considers snakebite to be a potentially life-threatening emergency which needs immediate medical attention. This is important at waterfalls and forest attractions.What tourists should do if they spot a snake
- Don’t panic
- Maintain a safe distance from the snake
- Do not try to take a selfie, or throw stones, poke it with a stick
- Give the animal space so it can move away
- Alert local authorities
- Tourists should also avoid putting their hands into rock gaps, holes, bushes or any other concealed spaces.
At night, carrying a torch or using a phone flashlight while walking is especially important. WHO specifically recommends using a light when walking outdoors in areas where snakes may be present.
Snakebite (AI-image)
Snakebite (AI-image)
In case someone is bitten
- Seek medical help as soon as possible
- Keep the victim calm and still
- Movement should be minimised, as physical activity can potentially accelerate the spread of venom through the body.
- WHO recommends immobilising the bitten person and arranging transport to medical care without delay.
- Do not rely on traditional remedies.
- WHO warns against cutting or incising the wound, attempting to suck out venom and using narrow tourniquets, among other harmful practices. Such measures can cause additional injury or delay proper treatment.
India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s snakebite guidance similarly emphasises immediate first aid, rapid transport and avoiding harmful interventions.In a place where a medical emergency can coincide with rain, narrow roads and tourist congestion, prevention and a few minutes of preparedness can make an enormous difference.
