Venomous Snakes Invade Flooded Chinese City After Deadly Typhoon

In Hengzhou, a city of one million in southeastern China, residents are grappling not only with the aftermath of a devastating flood that killed 39 people but also with a massive invasion of venomous snakes. The floods, caused by Typhoon Maysak, have led to at least 900 snakes roaming freely in the streets, many identified as cobras. These snakes escaped from local reptile farms that breed snakes for food and medicinal purposes, with Guangxi province alone housing nearly 20 million snakes across over 14,000 farms as of 2020.

Videos circulated from Hengzhou show snakes swimming in floodwaters, with only their heads visible, while residents attempt to catch or chase them away using nets and brooms. A civilian snake-catching team of about seven people reported capturing between 2,000 and 3,000 snakes over two days, exceeding initial estimates. The team noted that snakes often seek shelter in house corners during floods, and locals alert them when snakes are spotted. Captured snakes are handed over to professionals for release back into the wild.

Tragically, at least one woman has died after being bitten by a cobra, with rescue efforts hampered by flooded roads. Local authorities have issued safety guidelines advising residents to avoid outdoor activities at night and stay away from grassy or watery areas where snakes may be present. The state news agency Xinhua emphasized that snakes generally avoid humans unless provoked and recommended using snake-repellent powders and sticks to deter them.

In addition to snakes, other animals have escaped due to the flooding, including two zebras from a zoo and over 16,000 pigs swept away by the floodwaters. The zoo owner reported that staff risked their lives securing predator enclosures, though three lions drowned. Hospitals in the area have sufficient supplies of antivenom to manage snakebite cases amid the crisis.