Hundreds of venomous snakes, including cobras, escaped a breeding farm in Hengzhou, China, as severe floodwaters inundated the city. The reptiles were released when heavy rainfall caused a nearby reservoir to collapse, destroying the facility and allowing approximately 900 snakes, a mix of cobras, king rat snakes, and non-venomous water snakes, to escape into the town.
Footage from the incident shows snakes emerging from and moving through the murky floodwaters. Local residents expressed fear and concern following the escape. Emergency teams were dispatched to search for the reptiles and to assist residents affected by the widespread flooding.
In response to the situation, authorities have stocked up on anti-venom and are advising residents on how to react if they encounter a snake. Local media reported that at least one person has already been bitten and is receiving medical treatment.
The snake escape occurred in the wake of devastating floods that have impacted China. In the past week, at least 39 people have died nationwide due to heavy rainfall and flooding, largely caused by tropical storm Maysak. Hengzhou was particularly hard-hit, with the partial collapse of a reservoir dam contributing to 26 fatalities in the city. Nine people remain missing in the broader Guangxi region.
The tropical storm brought record rainfall to Guangxi starting on Saturday, causing reservoirs to breach and leaving many locals stranded. The flooding has also affected numerous animals; one zoo in Guigang reported over 100 missing animals, including zebras and tropical birds, while an animal shelter operator struggled to rescue hundreds of cats and dogs.