Severe flooding triggered by Typhoon Maysak has led to the escape of hundreds of snakes, including venomous cobras, after a snake breeding farm was destroyed in southern China.
The incident occurred in Hengzhou, in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where rising floodwaters swept through the facility and released as many as 900 snakes, according to Chinese media reports.
Local village committee head Wu Zhi told state-run media that most of the escaped reptiles are non-venomous water snakes. However, several highly venomous cobras are also believed to be among those still at large.
Authorities have deployed a 10-member emergency team equipped with nets and stun guns to capture the reptiles, while residents have been warned not to approach any snakes they encounter and instead report sightings immediately.
The snakes escaped on July 6, the same day floodwaters overwhelmed the breeding farm. Chinese media also reported that one villager was bitten and taken to hospital, although the severity of the injury has not been disclosed.
Videos circulating on Chinese social media show snakes swimming through muddy floodwaters and slithering across submerged streets. One clip appears to show a cobra raising its head above the water, while another shows a snake perched on top of a floating broom.
A resident told the Associated Press that the situation was frightening.
“The flood destroyed the snake farm, and now the animals are everywhere, even in the water,” the resident said.
The flooding followed the passage of Typhoon Maysak, which brought torrential rain across Guangxi, overwhelming rivers and reservoirs. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated after several reservoirs overflowed, while dozens of rivers exceeded warning levels.
Chinese authorities have issued their highest flood alert in parts of the region as emergency crews continue rescue and recovery operations.
President Xi Jinping has called on local governments to strengthen disaster prevention efforts, monitor rivers and reservoirs closely, and ensure the safety of affected communities as southern China grapples with one of its worst flooding events this year.
(with inputs from Reuters)
