Floods in Guangxi, China destroyed a snake breeding farm in Dengwei village, releasing nearly 900 snakes, including venomous cobras, into surrounding communities.
Rescue teams armed with nets and stun guns rushed to the area, warning residents not to attempt captures themselves. At least one villager was hospitalised after a snakebite.
The mass escape followed torrential rains from Typhoon Maysak, which killed at least 20 people nationwide and displaced more than 130,000 residents in Guangxi. Authorities issued the region’s highest flood alert as rivers breached safe levels and reservoirs overflowed.
Local official Wu Zhi cautioned villagers against amateur snake-catching efforts. Despite warnings, some residents formed volunteer teams using fishing tools and electric equipment to assist professionals. Viral videos showing snakes swimming through floodwaters heightened public alarm and drew comparisons to disasters like Hurricane Andrew’s exotic snake release in Florida.
President Xi Jinping urged intensified rescue and relief operations, stressing flood monitoring, disaster preparedness, and treatment of the injured. He directed officials to prioritise evacuation and medical support while strengthening emergency response.
Most of the escaped reptiles were non-venomous water snakes, though cobras complicated rescue operations. Experts believe many snakes were washed away or died after prolonged submersion, but some remain on floating debris. Notices urged residents to report sightings to village committees rather than attempt capture.
The dual threat of floodwaters and escaped snakes has made rescue operations more dangerous, underscoring the scale of the crisis in Guangxi.
