Severe flooding in southern China has triggered an unusual public safety emergency after 800 to 900 snakes, including venomous cobras, kraits and pit vipers, escaped from a commercial snake breeding farm in Dengwei village, Hengzhou, Guangxi.
The reptiles were released when floodwaters breached reservoirs and inundated the farm during devastating storms linked to Typhoon Maysak. While most of the escaped snakes are believed to be non-venomous water snakes, authorities confirmed that several dangerous species remain on the loose, prompting urgent warnings for residents to avoid attempting to capture them.
Emergency teams equipped with nets, snake-catching tools and stun guns have been deployed to recapture the reptiles, while hospitals have increased anti-venom supplies and opened fast-track treatment channels for snakebite victims. Residents have been urged to immediately report snake sightings to emergency services.
The flooding has already resulted in tragedy. Reports indicate that at least one resident was hospitalized after being bitten, while another person reportedly died after suffering a venomous snakebite as flood-damaged roads delayed access to medical treatment. The snake escape has added another layer of danger to a disaster that has already claimed at least 39 lives, displaced hundreds of thousands of people and caused widespread destruction across Guangxi.
Chinese authorities continue large-scale rescue and recovery operations as more heavy rain threatens the region. Officials have warned that the combination of severe flooding, damaged infrastructure and escaped wildlife has significantly increased the risks facing affected communities.
