Snake attacks kill at least 60 in southern Iraq

A sudden spate of snake attacks has citizens in Sayid Dkheel, a city in southern Iraq in a “dangerous” situation. Large numbers of deadly snakes have and continue to invade the city as a rise in temperature sees them looking for a cooler spot to live.

According to the local health department, at least 60 people have been reported dead due to snake bites. Many residents have reportedly fled the city after the rise in fatalities.

Citizens have complained about the lack of aid from the central government, which has yet to provide them with the necessary medication to treat snake bites. “This is a very dangerous area, we urge the government to intervene as soon as possible and provide the necessary antidote,” Jassem Mohammed, a local resident said.

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The lack of medical equipment at the city’s local hospital has  made the situation worse and caused the deaths of many, locals said. The health department in the city refused to comment. Cobras were amongst some of the snakes sighted in the southern Iraqi city.