Three Stung To Death By Scorpions As Nile River Flood Sweeps Creatures Into Egyptian City

At least three people are confirmed to have died from scorpion stings, which also left more than 500 others injured in Aswan, southern Egypt, following recent heavy rains.

According to experts, the onslaught of poisonous stingers came after the species were displaced from their hiding places by heavy rainfall. The weather then forced the animals to seek shelter elsewhere, particularly on high ground, the Independent reported.

In recent days, severe weather brought storms, rain, hail, and thunder into Aswan, flooding the city on the Nile River.

The phenomenon drove the creatures out of their nests and saw them seek refuge from the weather in buildings in the city.

Ahmed Rizk, a professor at Agricultural Research Center, explained that patients must immediately tie a piece of cloth firmly near the bite to block the venom from reaching the heart, the New York Post noted.

Terrifying footage also revealed the moment a group of scorpions swarmed a home as the floodwater rose.

Residents have been advised to remain indoors and avoid mountainous and wooded areas amid the severe weather. Health officials also warned that a fat-tail scorpion's sting can kill a human in less than an hour, according to the Times of Israel.

The species, which is abundant in Egypt, is also among the deadliest in the world.

Meanwhile, doctors serving from COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the area have been temporarily pulled away from the campaign to treat scorpion stings. The city is currently dealing with an alarming number of at least 503 people sent to hospitals after they got stung.

Officials said that the patients were discharged after receiving antivenom doses to prevent or alleviate symptoms.

The governor of the local region Ashraf Attia noted that they shut down on-site school operations to protect the students from scorpions and snakes.

Apart from the infestation of venomous scorpions and snakes, the extreme weather also caused power cuts and ultimately brought down street lamps and trees.

According to local weather forecasters, severe rainfall will continue for the coming days over South Sinai and the south of Egypt.