Hundreds of venomous snakes, including cobras, have escaped from breeding farms in southern China after severe flooding triggered by Typhoon Maysak submerged parts of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The incident occurred in Hengzhou, where days of heavy rainfall inundated snake breeding facilities, forcing large numbers of reptiles into nearby communities and prompting emergency warnings from local authorities.

State media reported that the escaped reptiles included cobras, king ratsnakes and water snakes. Videos circulating online showed residents using nets to capture snakes, while another clip captured a cobra emerging from fast-moving floodwaters.

A resident who was hospitalised after being bitten by a cobra told Beijing News that he was attacked while clearing debris from the ground floor of his home.

Medical personnel confirmed they had treated several snakebite victims since the flooding began, while local reports indicated that at least one victim died after sustaining a snakebite, although the designated treatment hospital did not officially confirm the fatality.

The snake escape comes amid widespread flooding across Guangxi, where overflowing reservoirs and breached embankments have inundated several communities. Authorities said at least six people were killed, more than 50,000 residents were evacuated and several others remain missing.

Across China, the toll from the recent wave of extreme weather has continued to rise. State media reported that landslides in Gansu Province claimed 21 lives, while thunderstorms and tornadoes in Hubei Province killed at least 11 others.

Government’s response

Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed authorities to intensify rescue operations as floodwaters and severe weather continue to affect several regions.

In response to the snake incidents, the Hengzhou Media Convergence Centre issued a public advisory warning residents that venomous species, including cobras, kraits and green pit vipers, could seek shelter in homes, stairwells, building corners and riverbanks.

Authorities said anti-venom supplies had been increased, emergency treatment channels established at Hengzhou People’s Hospital and additional medical teams deployed to affected communities. Rescue personnel have also been mobilised to capture the escaped snakes and minimise further risks.

China regularly experiences severe flooding during the summer rainy season, but reports of hundreds of venomous snakes escaping from commercial breeding farms remain rare.