Floods in Southern China Release Nearly 900 Snakes Including Venomous Cobras into Streets

Severe flooding caused by a typhoon in Dengwei village, Guangxi province, southern China, led to the collapse of a local snake farm, releasing nearly 900 snakes into the flooded streets. The floodwaters, reaching waist height, forced residents to attempt capturing the snakes using bamboo sticks and nets. Among the escaped reptiles were water snakes, pit vipers, and venomous cobras, raising significant safety concerns.

Local authorities warned residents against approaching the snakes and urged immediate reporting of sightings. Emergency teams and volunteers equipped with protective gear, nets, and electric shock devices were deployed to safely capture the snakes. While most of the snakes were non-venomous, the presence of cobras heightened the danger, with at least one person reported bitten and receiving medical treatment.

In response, hospitals in the area replenished their antivenom supplies and established rapid treatment protocols for snakebites. Efforts to capture the snakes continue, especially as floodwaters recede and the reptiles may hide in homes, storage areas, and fields. Snake farming is common in parts of China for traditional medicine, food, and leather, typically in controlled environments, but the unprecedented flooding overwhelmed these facilities.

The floods were exacerbated by breaches in local reservoirs and dams, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents in the region. Authorities remain vigilant as they manage the ongoing risks posed by the displaced snakes and the flood aftermath.