Published Paper Details:

Vijayawada, located in Andhra Pradesh, India, faces recurrent flooding during the monsoon season, which severely disrupts both human life and local wildlife habitats. This study explores the cascading ecological consequences of these floods, particularly focusing on snake populations that are vital for maintaining biodiversity. Flood-related habitat destruction not only forces snakes into urban areas, leading to increased human-snake conflicts and injuries but also causes a surge in rodent populations due to disrupted predator-prey dynamics. These changes create significant public health risks, including potential disease outbreaks linked to heightened encounters between humans and snakes, as well as increased rodent-borne illnesses. The study synthesizes relevant literature to highlight the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies, including habitat restoration, enhanced community education, infrastructure improvements, and health system strengthening against the backdrop of flooding. Recommendations propose multifaceted solutions that incorporate community participation and effective wildlife management to ensure environmental sustainability and public health safety. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of ecological and public health issues in flood-prone areas, necessitating a comprehensive approach to tackle the long-term challenges posed by flooding in Vijayawada and similar regions.