PTC News Desk: Residents of a village in southern China faced an unusual danger after floodwaters triggered by Typhoon Maysak destroyed a snake breeding farm, allowing hundreds of snakes to escape into nearby homes, fields and roads.
The incident took place in Dengwei village near Hengzhou city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where heavy rainfall caused reservoirs to overflow and embankments to collapse.
Local authorities said around 800 to 900 snakes escaped from the flooded farm, prompting an emergency response and public safety warnings. Videos shared by Chinese state media showed snakes being swept away by floodwaters, including one cobra raising its head above the fast-moving current.
Typhoon Maysak brought torrential rain to southern China, causing widespread flooding across Guangxi. As floodwaters entered Dengwei village, they damaged the snake farm and released hundreds of reptiles into surrounding residential areas and farmland.
Officials confirmed the incident on July 7 and advised residents to stay indoors, avoid floodwaters and immediately report any snake sightings.
Rescue teams, along with local villagers, used fishing nets and other equipment to capture the escaped snakes. Authorities said most of the reptiles were non-venomous species, including water snakes and king ratsnakes. However, several venomous cobras also escaped, prompting officials to issue safety advisories on preventing snake bites.
According to local reports, at least one resident was bitten by a snake and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Experts believe many of the escaped snakes either drowned or scattered as the floodwaters receded, reducing the long-term threat to nearby communities.
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