Kollam: A family in Kerala’s Pathanapuram has been forced to abandon their home and take shelter at a relative’s house after a severe snake infestation made living conditions unsafe, including a recent incident where a schoolgirl was bitten while sleeping.

The incident occurred at Rajesh Bhavan in Kollam's Pidavoor, where Rajesh, his wife, and two daughters had been living. The situation escalated after their Class 10 daughter was bitten by a snake last Wednesday while she was asleep. According to the family, the snake is believed to have fallen from the roof along with a rat and bit the child.

The girl was rushed to the intensive care unit of the Punalur Taluk Hospital and is now reported to be recovering.

However, the danger did not end there.

The very next day, Rajesh’s younger daughter narrowly escaped another snake attack while in the kitchen. A snake coiled around her leg, but she managed to break free without injury.

Following these incidents, the family spotted small snakes. When a tarpaulin sheet laid over the mud floor was removed, several snakes were found in the kitchen and two rooms.

Forest officials were informed and arrived at the location, but they were unable to capture the snakes as many had already hidden inside wall cavities and floor gaps.

With the house becoming increasingly unsafe, the family shifted all household belongings and moved to a nearby relative’s home.

The family says the house was constructed years ago under a block panchayat housing scheme but was never fully completed. Gaps in the foundation, stones and cement blocks have created multiple openings, allowing snakes and rats to crawl inside.

Along with snake infestation, the house is also facing a severe rat problem.

The family, already under financial stress, says they are unable to complete construction work. Rajesh is unable to work due to a spinal injury, while his wife works as a domestic help to support the household.

They now believe the house may need to be demolished due to the extent of the infestation.