China Floods Unleash Over 900 Snakes, Including Cobras, After Typhoon

Flooding from Typhoon Maysak has caused a snake farm in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to be inundated, resulting in the escape of more than 900 snakes, including cobras. Local authorities are scrambling to recapture the reptiles amid fears of snakebites.

The deluge, described as record-breaking rainfall, hit Hengzhou City's Yunbiao Town, damaging the snake breeding facility. Videos shared on social media show snakes swimming in floodwaters as the facility's structures were destroyed. Some residents reported that the flooding, caused by a partial collapse of a reservoir embankment, scattered snakes from multiple small farms into surrounding areas.

There are claims on social media of multiple people being bitten by snakes, with some unable to receive timely treatment due to the floodwaters hindering movement. The village chief of Dengwei Village confirmed that an estimated 800 to 900 snakes escaped on the morning of July 6 due to the flood. One resident is currently receiving emergency treatment for a snakebite.

While not all escaped snakes are venomous, the group includes cobras, king rat snakes, and water snakes. The local emergency management bureau has deployed rescue personnel to the affected area. Meanwhile, about a dozen residents from nearby unaffected villages have voluntarily formed snake-catching teams to assist in the capture efforts.

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An estimated 800 to 900 snakes escaped due to the flood on the morning of July 6. Currently, one resident is receiving emergency treatment at the hospital after being bitten by a snake.